Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care

The DOD recognizes the complexity and uncertainty facing service members in accessing reproductive health care, to include abortion care. They also recognize health care providers may have concerns about legal and financial risks they may face carrying out their lawful federal duties. Service members may be forced to travel greater distances, take more time off work, and pay more out-of-pocket expenses to access reproductive health care.

Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care

DOD Policies

Following the Oct. 20, 2022, memorandum, "Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care,” the DOD has released policies on:

  • Command notification of pregnancy.
  • Administrative absence for non-covered reproductive health care.
  • Travel allowances for non-covered reproductive health care.

As Secretary Austin has made clear, the health and well-being of our Service members, the civilian workforce, and DOD families are top priorities for the Department. These new policies:

  • Reflect the DOD’s commitment to taking care of our people.
  • Ensure that the entire Force remains ready and resilient.
  • Ensure service members are able to access non-covered reproductive health care, no matter where they are located.

In the table below, please find links to the policies on the Official Website for DOD Issuances and a fact sheet that explains what it means for you. For an overview of all the policies, please see the Policy Overview Fact Sheet.

Topic  Description Links
Command Notification of Pregnancy 

Provides Service members the time and flexibility to make private health care decisions in a manner consistent with the responsibility of commanders to meet operational requirements and protect the health and safety of those in their care.

Service members may choose to delay pregnancy notification to commanders but must notify no later than 20 weeks gestation. 

PolicyFact Sheet

Administrative Absence for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care 

Service members may be granted an administrative absence for a period of up to 21 days to receive, or to accompany a dual military spouse or a dependent who receives, non-covered reproductive health care without taking leave.

Service members may need to disclose a minimum amount of health information necessary for commanders to authorize the administrative absence. 

PolicyFact Sheet
Official Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care 

Authorizes travel and transportation allowances for a Service member or an eligible dependent, and for an attendant or escort if a Service member or eligible dependent is incapable of traveling alone, who must travel to access non-covered reproductive health care and would otherwise have to pay for that travel themselves. 

PolicyFact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

We've provided answers to some commonly asked questions with regard to reproductive health care. The answers here are intended to provide a general overview of departmental policies and are not intended to alter or amend those policies. The answers in this document are intended to apply broadly to the Force as a whole and the term “Service member” is used with that intent. When there is a meaningful distinction between the Active and Reserve component, more specific terms are used to highlight and clarify the distinction.

View the FAQs Online Download a PDF Version

Related Service Links

Need Help Accessing Reproductive Health Care?

Contact Us and tell us about your challenge. Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.

You also may be interested in...

Colorectal Cancer Screening Age Decreases to 45

Article
11/22/2022
A patient sits in an office with while a health care provider talks to her.

Though the overall death rate from colorectal cancers have been on the decline in recent years, it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

U.S. Air Force Provides Information for Aircrew Considering Flying During Their Pregnancy

Article Around MHS
11/14/2022
U.S. Air Force Maj. Molly Sexton conducts pre-flight inspections

In April 2022, the U.S. Air Force issued a clarification of policies pertaining to aircrew during pregnancy. The policy recognized the need to provide aircrew, commanders, and health care professionals greater awareness of and transparency around the process for submission and review of waivers to fly during pregnancy.

MHS Minute | October 2022

Video
11/9/2022
MHS Minute | October 2022

This MHS Minute focuses on the contraceptive care services available to service members and beneficiaries. Learn more by visiting: https://tricare.mil/birthcontrol and https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/Womens-Health/Contraceptive-Care-QnA Access communications products at https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Contraceptive-Care-Toolkit

Murtha Cancer Center Hosts 2022 Breast Cancer Summit

Article Around MHS
11/7/2022
Military medical personnel performing mammogram

The John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center hosted its 2022 Breast Cancer Summit virtually Oct. 26. The summit is held annually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

USS Gerald R. Ford’s Commitment to Women’s Health

Article Around MHS
11/2/2022
U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class Cassandra Styles participates in a mass casualty drill

One in eight women will face cancer in their life. Additionally, breast cancer has a 99 percent survival rate if detected in early stages and a 29 percent survival rate if detected late. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Douglas, Ford’s surgeon, offers a service in identifying breast cancer in the early stage for women aboard Ford. Douglas’ service is just one of many that Ford provides.

FAQs for Reproductive Health Care

Fact Sheet
11/1/2022

Frequently Asked Questions about reproductive health care. TRICARE has coverage for both medical and pharmacy benefits and includes a list of covered and non-covered services.

Walk-in Contraceptive Services Required at Hospitals and Clinics

Article
11/1/2022
Five people wearing masks look at the camera.

Walk-in contraceptives services help service members with convenience of one-day, no appointment care, and help the military with readiness.

Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care

Policy

Memorandum for Senior Pentagon Leadership, Commanders of the Combatant Commands and Defense Health Agency Field Directors about Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care after the Supreme Court Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 10/20/2022
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Women's Health

DOD Announces Effort to Ensure Reproductive Health Care

Article Around MHS
10/20/2022
TRICARE covers a full range of contraceptive methods, regardless of which health plan you have. And recent changes to TRICARE policies help make sure you’ll have easy, convenient, and timely access to contraceptive services.

Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced the Department will take all appropriate action, within its authority and consistent with applicable federal law, as soon as possible to ensure that Service members and their families can access reproductive health care and health care providers can operate effectively.

NMRTC Bremerton Thinks Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Article Around MHS
10/18/2022
Military personnel raising awareness for breast cancer

From rose to fuchsia to salmon, with October designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton’s staff members donned pink attire to raise awareness for the annual breast cancer campaign.

Message to the Force on Comprehensive Contraceptive Access

Policy

Memorandum for Senior Pentagon Leadership, Commanders of the Combatant Commands and Defense Health Agency Field Activity Directors about access to comprehensive contraceptive care.

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 10/5/2022
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Women's Health

Contraceptive Care

Video
10/4/2022
Contraceptive Care

Did you know that TRICARE waived copayments and cost-shares for medical contraceptive care? Learn more at www.tricare.mil/birthcontrol.

TRICARE Offers Contraceptive Care to Support You, Your Family, and Your Readiness

Article
9/30/2022
TRICARE covers a full range of contraceptive methods, regardless of which health plan you have. And recent changes to TRICARE policies help make sure you’ll have easy, convenient, and timely access to contraceptive services.

Whether you’re a service member or a TRICARE-eligible family member, contraceptive care plays a key role in your overall health, wellness, and quality of life. It also supports your individual and family readiness.

New Army Policy Better Enables Victims to Report Sexual Assault

Article Around MHS
8/19/2022
Military personnel at Sexual Assault Prevention Program

A new policy recently implemented by the Army is designed to help remove possible barriers that may prevent Soldiers from reporting sexual assault.

After Dobbs Decision, Department of Defense Provides Q&A Resource

Article
8/16/2022
Images of female service members

The Q&A provides answers to questions around reproductive health care access — including leave and travel, sexual assault, contraceptives and other types of related assistance.

Page 3 of 8 , showing items 31 - 45
First < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > Last 
Last Updated: April 27, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery