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Amata takes part in Veterans’ reproductive care hearing

Congresswoman Amata in HVAC hearing remotely with Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Julia Brownley on screen.

Washington, D.C. — This past Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata took part in a hearing with the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Health, in conjunction with the Women Veterans Task Force, entitled, “Veterans’ Access to Reproductive Healthcare.”

This hearing examined the full spectrum of reproductive health access at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Among other things, the Subcommittee discussed contraception access, prenatal and maternity care, infertility treatment and resources, and services currently not available by regulation or statute at VA. This hearing also examined continuity of care during major disruptions such as natural disasters and pandemics, including COVID-19.

Congresswoman Amata participated remotely, and highlighted the helpful role of the Women Veterans Task Force, created by the Committee. She addressed her questions to Dr. Patricia Hayes, Chief Officer, Women’s Health Services, Veterans Health Administration; and Dr. Alicia Christy, Deputy Director of Reproductive Health.

“In a statement for the record, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists testifies that there is a significant lack of data on maternal health outcomes of veterans,” said Aumua Amata. “Is that a research topic that VA is exploring? Why or why not? What other research is underway within VA on reproductive health care access, outcomes, and barriers among veterans and does any of that research include reproductive mental health for both male and female veterans, which PVA’s testimony notes is particularly under researched?”

The witnesses responded that such research is underway, and detailed VA efforts to further that research and collect necessary data to better serve those needs at the VA.