U.S. National Security Council: Access to abortion is our "sacred duty"
An American official believes some women may be unwilling to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces if stationed in states where abortion is prohibited.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, has stated that providing access to abortion is a "sacred duty" of the government, according to kath.net.
Kirby expressed concerns over the potential loss of service members if they are not granted the ability to travel for an abortion at government expense. Thus, providing military personnel and their partners access to abortion is a "sacred duty" of the U.S. government, the official asserted.
Kirby made this statement in the context of debates surrounding the country’s defense budget. One of the proposed amendments, passed by the House of Representatives, prohibits the government from covering travel expenses for an abortion if the woman seeking the procedure resides in a state where abortion is banned.
In contrast, the Biden administration has proposed that U.S. taxpayer funds be used to cover travel costs for military personnel or their family members seeking abortions.
Kirby argued that some women might not want to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces if they are stationed in states where abortion is prohibited or heavily restricted. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that service members are able to remain in the military, Kirby stated.
Previously, it was reported that President Biden signed an executive order restoring access to abortion rights in the United States.
