Congresswoman Aumua Amata took part in a hearing with the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Subcommittee on Health that 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.
Aumua who is currently on island participated remotely, and highlighted the helpful role of the Women Veterans Task Force, created by the Committee.
The Congresswoman noted that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists testifies that there is a significant lack of data on maternal health outcomes of veterans.
She asked if this was 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, Dr. Patricia Hayes, Chief Officer, Women’s Health Services, Veterans Health Administration; and Dr. Alicia Christy, Deputy Director of Reproductive Health 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.
