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
Oct 3, 2024
Are you expecting a baby in 2025? Have you considered getting breastfeeding counseling or support from a labor doula? If so, you should know about some changes coming to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration on Jan. 1, 2025, including expansion overseas.
Article Around MHS
Sep 23, 2024
The Department of Defense is working to ensure that research conducted across the Department addresses health disparities faced by women, including conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently.
Article Around MHS
Sep 5, 2024
Fred Cohrs is a prostate cancer good news success story. He was a high-risk patient, diagnosed by a biopsy performed at the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, then referred to the Prostate Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery.
Topic
Aug 27, 2024
Men die an average of five years earlier than women and are at higher risk for serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and HIV. Familiarity with men’s health issues, regular screenings, and preventive care can be key in encouraging good health and long life.
Spotlight
Aug 20, 2024
On Feb. 2, 2024, President Biden celebrated the two-year anniversary of the reignited 2016 White House Cancer Moonshot initiative, an effort across multiple federal agencies aimed to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years. The initiative is also focused on improving the experience of people and their families ...
Video
Aug 20, 2024
Walk-in Contraceptive Care Clinics are available. No appointment necessary. Check with your local Military Treatment Facility for hours.
Report
Aug 20, 2024
.PDF |
424.19 KB
H.R. 2670 HASC Report for FY 2024 118-125, Pg. 211
Article
Aug 19, 2024
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and it offers an opportunity to talk about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and their babies.
Article Around MHS
Jun 24, 2024
June is men’s health month. Hear more from Naval Medical Center San Diego’s lead prosthetist what men’s health represents for him.
Article Around MHS
Jun 13, 2024
Navigating the health care system can be challenging at any time, but when you live in a rural location and you’re expecting a baby, that adds another layer of complexity. For beneficiaries of Branch Health Clinic China Lake, which is in the western Mojave Desert, they don’t have to go it alone.
Article
Jun 5, 2024
June 2024 is Men’s Health Month, and Defense Health Agency Public Health officials are reminding males of the importance of taking charge of their health for a longer, happier lifestyle.
Article Around MHS
Jun 5, 2024
The Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence commemorates 20 years of pioneering research, collaboration, and commitment to advancing women’s health and military readiness.
Calendar Event
May 14, 2024
This live mini-residency is designed to equip VA and DoD mental health providers with clinical knowledge and skills to deliver gender-specific and gender-informed care to women Veterans and Service members.
Article Around MHS
May 13, 2024
At Naval Hospital Rota, staff within the Directorate of Nursing Services recently recognized the one-year anniversary of the merger of its Maternal Child Infant and Multi-Service Ward inpatient units.
Article
May 1, 2024
Colorectal cancer is on the rise in people under 50 in the United States. Recent guidelines state that anyone at average risk for colorectal cancer should start getting screenings at age 45. Getting screened is easy, and TRICARE covers several options for colorectal cancer exams.
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: September 23, 2024