1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

This executive order from the Trump administration allowing VA doctors to refuse treatment to certain veterans based on characteristics like marital status or political affiliation is deeply concerning. Permitting discrimination against those who served our nation undermines the very purpose of the VA healthcare system, which is to provide high-quality care to all veterans. Denying essential medical services due to personal biases violates core ethical principles of the medical profession and jeopardizes patient wellbeing. This policy carries disturbing implications, potentially closing off access to care for some of the most vulnerable veteran populations, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in rural areas with limited options. It is unacceptable to put ideology before patient welfare. I urge you to speak out forcefully against this extremely troubling policy change that threatens to erode the integrity of VA healthcare and fails to uphold our sacred obligation to support all who have served in uniform. Veterans deserve better than to face barriers to vital treatment based on their personal lives or political views.