VA issued an interim final rule on September 1 allowing VA to provide pregnant veterans and VA beneficiaries with access to abortion counseling and some abortion services. Access to abortion procedures will be available when the life or health of the veteran would be endangered by carrying a pregnancy to term, or in the case of rape or incest consistent with the scope of the Hyde Amendment.. Veterans are at a greater risk of experiencing pregnancy related complications arising out of higher rates of chronic health conditions, prompting the VA to make the policy change. This policy will be implemented across the country regardless of state restrictions. VA employees working within the scope of their federal duties are authorized to provide VA authorized services independent of state policies.