The Department of Defense allows up to three weeks of leave for military personnel to travel for abortion and other non-compensated reproductive health care. according to a new set of policies Announced Thursday.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin first announced in October that the Department of Defense would provide and reimburse service members for the travel expenses required to access reproductive health care. His three policies, released Thursday, provide additional details and guidance on how these directives will work.
Military personnel may take up to 21 days of leave to accompany a military spouse or dependent for uncovered reproductive health care, including abortion and assisted reproduction.
However, it is limited to the minimum number of days necessary to receive treatment and travel by the “fastest means” possible. Similarly, reimbursement will be limited to costs associated with transportation to the nearest available medical facility offering the procedure.
Commanders and other authorities are urged to grant leave requests so long as they do not interfere with the “proper performance of military duties” and to act promptly and deliberately given the time-sensitive nature of reproductive services. I’m here.
“Commanding officers or authorizing bodies are expected to demonstrate objectivity, compassion, and discretion in dealing with all health care issues, including reproductive health care issues, and the context of reproductive health care choices. We are obligated to enforce existing policies against discrimination and retaliation in the United States,” the policy noted.
Nor can military personnel be required to undertake additional obligations, such as meeting with religious advisors or other counselors, or medical examinations, in order to obtain approval.
The new policy follows the Supreme Court’s decision last June to overturn Roe v. Wade. Some states have cracked down on access to abortions, so service members and their families may be placed where the procedure is no longer permitted.
“The practical impact of recent changes is that a significant number of service members and their families are traveling longer distances, spending more time away from work, and paying more to receive reproductive health care. It’s something that you might be forced to do,” Austin said in his book. October note.
“In my judgment, such impact would be deemed an extraordinary, extraordinary, difficult, or emergency situation for service members and their dependents, and I would like to maintain the recruitment, retention, and readiness of highly qualified forces. It will hinder our ability,” he added.
