WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paralyzed Veterans of America released the following statement in response to S. 469, the “Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2015,” being withdrawn from the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs legislative markup:
“Paralyzed Veterans of America is deeply disappointed to learn that S. 469, the 'Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act,' has been pulled from the Senate VA Committee markup this afternoon due to amendments that serve no function but histrionic political grandstanding. Shame on those who have placed political ideology ahead of the needs of veterans with catastrophic disabilities, particularly those with spinal cord injury or disease.
“This bipartisan, critically needed legislation would lift an antiquated ban on VA providing fertility services to veterans who have incurred a severe injury to their reproductive organs. As a result of the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, many young service members have suffered grievous injuries from explosive devices that have made them unable to conceive a child naturally. While the Department of Defense does provide assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), to service members, VA does not.
“If this country is to uphold its moral obligation to make whole those men and women who have been sent into harm’s way and returned broken, then it is time for this legislation to be enacted. If a member of Congress wants to debate the moral issues they believe supersede the need to do the right thing for these men and women who have sacrificed so much, we suggest that they meet these men and women face-to-face and explain to them why they cannot support this legislation.”
About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, Paralyzed Veterans has ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.
As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation, and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
