Pentagon's Reproductive Health Care Travel Policy Utilized 12 Times in Six Months

The policy, aimed at aiding service members in accessing non-covered reproductive health care, sparks political debate and incurs a $45,000 cost.

The Pentagon's policy to cover travel expenses for service members seeking non-covered reproductive health care, including abortions, was used 12 times between June and December 2023.
The policy, responding to state-level abortion restrictions, allows service members and dependents to travel for care not available near their duty station, costing roughly $45,000.
Criticism from pro-life Republicans, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville's months-long hold on military promotions, highlighted the policy's contentious nature.
The policy also grants an administrative absence for up to 21 days for receiving such health care, without charging leave.
The Department of Defense does not track the specific types of procedures sought due to privacy concerns, and the policy does not cover the cost of the procedures themselves.