Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

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...

Article
Aug 23, 2023

TRICARE Laboratory Developed Tests Demonstration Extended, Certain Tests Now Covered

TRICARE Laboratory Developed Tests Demonstration Extended, Certain Tests Now Covered

The Defense Health Agency announced the five-year extension of the Laboratory Developed Tests Demonstration. The DHA extended the demonstration from July 19, 2023 through July 18, 2028. The DHA also announced that TRICARE will now cover several preconception and prenatal carrier screenings as part of the basic TRICARE benefit.

Article
Aug 17, 2023

Breastfeeding Awareness Month Health Fair Big Hit for Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Fort Johnson

Jesse Olson, aviation safety officer and certified child passenger safety technician at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana discussed the proper installation of and conducted a safety seat inspection for Nahomi Ortiz during the Breastfeeding Awareness Month family health fair August 5, at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital.  (Photo: Jean Graves)

Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital hosted a Breastfeeding Awareness Month family health fair on Aug. 5, 2023, at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana. The event, coordinated by the BJACH Labor, Delivery and Post Partum ward and the OB/GYN clinic, was designed to give new and expectant parents an opportunity to learn about ...

Article
Aug 8, 2023

Klamath Falls and the Navy's Forgotten Filariasis Problem

“Filariasis in the personnel of our armed forces is a problem which has arisen since operations were started in the South and Central Pacific area,” said U.S. Vice Adm. Ross McIntire, Navy Surgeon General, to Rep. William Stigler, D-OK., on June 20, 1944. (Courtesy Photo)

After conducting a thorough medical survey of Tutuila Island, Samoa, USS Alaska’s Medical Officer Thomas Hiland reported that four-fifths of the population over the age of 45 suffered from a condition marked—in severe cases—by skin/tissue thickening, swelling of limbs, and scrotal swelling.

Article
Jun 20, 2023

TRICARE Preventive Health Services for Men of All Ages

TRICARE Preventive Health Services for Men of All Ages

Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month? If you’re a man, it’s a good time to take stock of your overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the life expectancy for men in the U.S. is nearly six years less than that for women. And that gap is getting wider. However, men can still live long, healthy lives by eating ...

Topic
Mar 25, 2024

Access to Reproductive Health

Many members of the Department of Defense community have asked about essential women’s health care services following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. 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 ...

Video
Apr 25, 2023

MHS Video On Sexual Assault in the Military

MHS video on sexual assault in the military

Ms. Seileen Mullen, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, stopped by DHA headquarters to discuss everyone's role in preventing sexual harassment and assault and DHA's unique role in treating patients after sexual trauma. Sexual assault is a real problem within our military. Everyone in the military community can play a ...

Skip subpage navigation
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery