Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act
Rep. Sherrill Introduces Bill to Guarantee Leave and Travel Costs for Military Abortion Access
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by the House Committee on Armed Services. It is considered active as lawmakers continue to organize sponsorship for the proposal. There are no upcoming votes or hearings scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill faces strong opposition in a Republican-controlled House, as reproductive rights in the military are a major point of political conflict.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
The bill focuses on active duty service members and their dependents, not veterans. However, the findings note that service-related injuries, toxic exposures, and sexual assault increase infertility risk, which could build support for similar benefits for veterans in the future.
“Members of the Armed Forces are exposed to job-related risk factors that increase the likelihood they will experience infertility.”
Disabilities
State Impacts
Milestones
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Ms. Houlahan asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1742, a bill originally introduced by Representative Sherrill, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
5 articlesPentagon strips travel reimbursement for troops seeking abortions, fertility treatment
The Defense Department will no longer reimburse service members for travel out of state to get reproductive health care, including abortions and fertility treatments, according to a new memo signed by Secretary Pete Hegseth, eliminating a Biden-era policy enacted in 2022.
How the Trump Administration Is Rolling Back Abortion Access for Veterans and Service Members
Soon after Pete Hegseth was confirmed, the DoD struck down a policy allowing active service members to take paid leave and get reimbursed for out-of-state travel for reproductive care. In response, Democrats have pushed the Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act to codify protections.
House Democrats introduce bill to codify military abortion travel policy
Sixteen Democrats are co-sponsoring the Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act, introduced to ensure troops can access abortion and IVF treatments regardless of where they are stationed, following the Pentagon's decision to rescind travel allowances.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(78)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.