WASHINGTON, July 17 (Reuters) - Restrictive abortion laws in states like Alabama are harming the U.S. military's ability to retain service members and impacting morale, the White House said on Monday as the administration sought to increase pressure on the Senate over the issue.
NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby answers questions during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 17, 2023.
REUTERS/Evelyn HocksteinHe noted that those who volunteer to serve in the military do not get to pick where they are ultimately stationed, including bases located in states with restrictive abortion laws.
"So if you don't think there's going to be a retention and morale issue, think again, because it's already having that effect," Kirby told a news briefing.
Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Jarrett Renshaw; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Susan HeaveyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Tommy Tuberville, John Kirby, Strategic Communications John Kirby, Evelyn Hockstein, it's, Kirby, Joe Biden's, Roe, Wade, Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw, Jonathan Oatis, Susan Heavey
Organizations:
Senate, U.S, Republican, National Security, Strategic Communications, White, REUTERS, Joint Chiefs, Supreme, Thomson
Locations:
Alabama, Washington , U.S, U.S