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...
Article
Jan 11, 2022
Hernandez, a Marine Corps spouse and mother of five, is BAMC’s first patient to give birth while on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Article
Nov 24, 2021
The post-partum hemorrhage bundle campaign trained all clinicians that provide OB services at military hospitals, giving them resources and tools to provide patients and staff information and/or training about PPH and how to respond in the event of a PPH event.
Article
Nov 24, 2021
Don’t co-sleep with babies; that’s a SIDS risk factor teaser
Article
Oct 27, 2021
The new podcast series, Wise Health for Women Warriors, aims to help servicewomen overcome the specific health care obstacles they encounter.
Article
Oct 20, 2021
Get vaccinated for COVID-19 if you’re pregnant or trying, DOD and CDC and advise.
Article
Oct 18, 2021
The Women and Infant Clinical Community developed the Wise Health for Women Warriors podcast to support primary care managers who need additional information when caring for women warriors.
Article
Aug 20, 2021
The NIH describes PCOS as under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and understudied
Article
Jun 15, 2021
Dear Doc: As I progress through my 40s, I'd like to think I've lived a pretty healthy life to this point. As a service member, I've kept myself in shape, ate well and always listened to my body throughout my career. Unfortunately, I can't say as much for some other members of my peer group. I know we are trained to be "warriors," and a lot of us feel ...
Article
Jun 11, 2021
Hernias are common. What you need to know about diagnosing, treating, and preventing hernias
Article
Jun 8, 2021
Screenings and regular check-ups help keep you mission ready.
Article
May 25, 2021
In an area dominated by men, the military can still be a harsh environment for women, commanders say.
Article
May 21, 2021
Air Force Lt. Col. details her struggle with depression, anxiety and suicide ideation
Article
May 13, 2021
Resources and support for survivors of sexual assault and military trauma.
Article
May 13, 2021
The online, self-paced Women’s Health Transition Training makes everything you need to know about VA women’s health services available anytime, anyplace.
Article
Apr 16, 2021
Sexual assault awareness and prevention is at the top of the Department of Defense’s priorities.
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