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...
Video
Aug 20, 2024
Walk-in Contraceptive Care Clinics are available. No appointment necessary. Check with your local Military Treatment Facility for hours.
Video
Dec 7, 2023
Capt. Kelly Elmore, OB/GYN, provides information about what we are doing inside the Military Health System for your perinatal, prenatal, and postpartum health.
Learn more at health.mil/womenshealth.
Video
Dec 7, 2023
As we know, most births are very happy, wonderful experiences. However, there are times when there are complications. Now, these complications, for the most part, happen less than 5% of the time. But there is one that we want to talk to you about specifically, and that's called postpartum hemorrhage.
Postpartum hemorrhage is when you have too much ...
Video
Nov 20, 2023
CAPT Kelly Elmore, MD, OB/GYN and Chief of Staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center encourages you to schedule your annual well-woman exam. Cervical Cancer screening is your covered TRICARE benefit. Depending on your age, a pap smear and/or HPV test are recommended to screen for cervical cancer. Make sure you take time today for your ...
Video
Nov 20, 2023
CAPT Kelly Elmore, MD, OB/GYN and Chief of Staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center explains the purpose of pap smears. Cervical Cancer screening is your covered TRICARE benefit. Depending on your age, a pap smear and/or HPV test are recommended to screen for cervical cancer. Make sure you take time today for your health and schedule ...
Video
Oct 18, 2023
Capt. Monica Lutgendorf, M.D. explains why it's important to get a mammogram, especially for individuals between the ages of 40 and 74. Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It's important to take time for your health and get your mammogram every other year if you are at normal risk. Contact your local hospital or clinic ...
Video
Oct 18, 2023
Capt. Monica Lutgendorf, M.D. explains the importance to get regular mammogram screenings. It's important to get screening for mammograms every other year for someone with normal risk factors. If you have higher risk factors, your screening recommendations may change. Please talk to your medical provider. You can schedule your mammogram at your local ...
Video
Apr 25, 2023
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 ...
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 ...
Video
Oct 4, 2022
Did you know that TRICARE waived copayments and cost-shares for medical contraceptive care? Learn more at www.tricare.mil/birthcontrol.
Video
Aug 9, 2022
The July MHS Minute highlights a dedicated webpage for women's health to educate women and their partners on the health care services and resources available to them. Visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/Womens-Health to learn more. Additionally, learn more about the new national suicide and crisis ...
Video
Jul 12, 2022
This video provides a brief overview of the Deployment Readiness Education for Servicewomen App.
Video
Jun 9, 2022
Take command of your reproductive health to see if a vasectomy is the right choice for you. TRICARE covers vasectomies but not reversals unless the reversal is medically necessary.
Video
May 11, 2022
A U.S. Coast Guard spouse with ovarian and fallopian cancer shares her story
Video
Oct 15, 2018
Within the military, midwives serve as educators. Kwuan Paruchabutr shares how midwives ensure that all medical staff are well trained in women's health care.
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