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
5/13/2021
Resources and support for survivors of sexual assault and military trauma.
Article
4/16/2021
Sexual assault awareness and prevention is at the top of the Department of Defense’s priorities.
Article
4/13/2021
Navy Capt. (Dr.) Lynelle Boamah confidently stands with feet firmly planted atop two recent significant months.
Article
3/31/2021
Women will always play a critical role within our military.
Article
3/30/2021
Women military health leaders speak on way toward equity and limitless opportunities.
Article
3/26/2021
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker’s persistence and disregard for societal norms was central to the role that women can play in the DOD and MHS today.
Article
3/25/2021
The DHA held a virtual observance—featuring a panel discussion on women’s history— in honor of Women’s History Month.
Article
3/24/2021
DHA-PI 6025.35 provides guidance for implementation of a postpartum hemorrhage bundle at all MTFs providing obstetrical care.
Article
3/4/2021
Women’s mental health can be more affected by transitioning than men’s, speakers’ series attendees hear.
Article
2/17/2021
STIs are important to identify and treat because they can impact service members’ health and readiness, as well as their ability to perform their duties.
Article
1/7/2021
Early detection and prevention methods are key to help women fight and prevent this form of cancer.
Article
6/1/2019
As in prior years, mental health disorders, pregnancy-related conditions, and injury/poisoning accounted for the majority (59.8%) of all hospitalizations among active component service members in 2018. However, the hospitalization rate for all causes was the lowest rate in the past 10 years.
Page 3 of 3
, showing items 31 - 43