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.
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.
|
Policy | Fact 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.
|
Policy | Fact 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.
|
Policy | Fact 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...
Fact Sheet
Feb 15, 2023
.PDF |
69.42 KB
This policy provides Service members the ability to request an administrative absence from their normal duty stations in order to access, or accompany a dual-military spouse or dependent to access, non-covered reproductive health care without being charged leave.
Fact Sheet
Feb 15, 2023
.PDF |
76.92 KB
These policies reflect our commitment to taking care of our people and ensuring that the entire Force remains ready and resilient. These policies ensure Service members are able to access non-covered reproductive health care regardless of where they are stationed.
Article Around MHS
Feb 15, 2023
Women make up nearly 20% of the the United States Armed Forces, so having more females in healthcare professions creates a much more effective force. That's why the Uniformed Services University and Canadian Armed Forces Health Services collaborated recently to advance research on women’s health issues and to optimize care for women in uniform.
Article Around MHS
Jan 4, 2023
It's a major research advancement in women's health and females serving in the U.S. military may soon have access to it. See how a new, self-diagnosis and self-treatment kit can help deployed women overseas or in austere environments.
Article
Dec 27, 2022
Women’s heath equity is fully invested in by DOD’s actions, acting AD for Health Affairs tells a recent podcast.
Article Around MHS
Dec 22, 2022
Providing safe, excellent, quality care to patients takes incredible work and dedication - especially when it comes to women's health. Find out what's happening at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital that landed them a top spot on the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list.
Article
Dec 15, 2022
Breast health and annual mammogram screenings should be your top priorities to protect against cancers and are easier than ever to schedule wherever you are.
Article
Dec 7, 2022
Dementia and its most common form, Alzheimer’s disease, are cognitive disorders that affect more women than men. Although there are various theories on why, more equitable research is needed.
Article
Dec 1, 2022
The Military Health System offers ample contraceptive care services to help beneficiaries take control of their health, life, and careers.
Video
Nov 23, 2022
Walk-in contraceptive services are now available at military hospitals and clinics. No referral or appointment is required. Check with your local military hospital or clinic to see if walk-in appointments are available. Learn more at health.mil/womenshealth.
Article
Nov 22, 2022
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.
Article Around MHS
Nov 20, 2022
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital encourages soldiers and civilians at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana to grow a mustache this November to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancers, mental health, and suicide prevention for men.
Article Around MHS
Nov 14, 2022
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.
Video
Nov 9, 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 ...
Article Around MHS
Nov 7, 2022
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.
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: March 14, 2024