Protect Our Veterans: Oppose Discriminatory VA Healthcare Policies!

Oppose Trump’s January 30 executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”. Under these new rules, which have already taken effect in some VA medical centers, healthcare professionals could refuse to treat veterans based on personal characteristics not explicitly prohibited by federal law. Language explicitly requiring healthcare professionals to care for veterans regardless of their politics and marital status has been eliminated. Veterans could be denied care simply because they are unmarried or identify as a Democrat. These changes open the door to discrimination on the basis of anything not legally protected, including a veteran's current or past political party affiliation, marital status, allegations of rape and sexual assault, and personal behaviors such as alcohol or marijuana use. This is an unacceptable breach of trust for those who have served our nation. These new guidelines explicitly enable discrimination that directly undermines the promise of equal treatment. This executive order also impacts VA staffing, allowing doctors and other medical staff to be barred from employment based on their marital status, political party affiliation, or union activity. Bylaws no longer forbid discrimination against candidates for staff positions based on national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, membership in a labor organization, or "lawful political party affiliation". This risks compromising the quality of care by introducing political and personal litmus tests into hiring decisions, limiting the pool of qualified healthcare providers who can serve our veterans. The new rules are disturbing and unethical. Political opinion is not relevant to caring for patients. These rules are a facial effort to exert political control over the VA medical staff. Our veterans deserve the highest standard of care, free from any form of discrimination. Their service to our country should guarantee them comprehensive and unbiased medical treatment, not subject them to political or personal litmus tests by their healthcare providers. Immediately oppose and repeal the executive order and any related guidelines that permit discrimination against veterans in VA healthcare settings based on marital status, political affiliation, or other non-medical characteristics. Reinstate explicit language requiring VA healthcare professionals to care for all veterans without prejudice, regardless of their politics or marital status. Ensure that VA hospitals operate on the principle that all veterans receive the full and equitable healthcare they have earned through their service. Protect medical staff from discrimination in employment based on their personal or political affiliations. Support our veterans by ensuring they receive the non-discriminatory, high-quality care they deserve. Their sacrifices demand nothing less.