CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Several veterans recently contacted KRIS 6 News with concerns about a recent publication that suggested discrimination could occur within the Department of Veterans Affairs under certain circumstances. The veterans told us they’re looking for clarity on what’s actually happening and how the VA is addressing the potential issues raised.
The VA is challenging reporting by The Guardian, a well-known British news outlet, which published a story on Monday suggesting that VA doctors may now refuse treatment based on a patient’s political beliefs or marital status.
Read the full Guardian article here.
The controversy stems from The Guardian’s in-depth examination of recent changes to the VA’s hospital bylaws.
According to the report, VA officials cited executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump as the basis for the changes.
The VA referred to orders such as the Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. It states that there are only two biological sexes, male and female, and calls for removing recognition of gender identity in federal laws and policies.
As a result of this order, the VA has reportedly phased out most forms of gender-affirming care.
Prior to the policy update, VA hospital bylaws prohibited discrimination against patients on the basis of “race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, or disability.” According to The Guardian, the updated bylaws have removed protections related to political views and marital status.
The revised policy does not explicitly state that care may be denied for those reasons. However, critics argue that eliminating those protections could make it more difficult to address potential cases of bias. The VA maintains that its standard of care has not changed and updates will have no impact whatsoever on who VA treats or employs.
According to Macaulay Porter, the VA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs the VA has asked The Guardian to retract its article.
In a statement provided to KRIS 6 News, Porter also addressed the concerns raised in The Guardian’s report, calling the allegations false and affirming that the VA is committed to following federal law.
More Veterans In Focus stories are available here, along with resources for local veterans.
Contact Veterans In Focus reporter Michelle Hofmann at michelle.lorenzo@kristv.com
