Congress·In Committee·H.R. 3969

Rep. Houlahan Introduces MARCH Act to Allow Abortion Care at Military Hospitals

MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act

9 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

This bill would repeal the federal law (Section 1093, Title 10) that currently blocks the Department of Defense from using its money or facilities to provide abortion care. If passed, military hospitals would be allowed to perform abortions and military health insurance could cover them.
From policy text
“Section 1093 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.”
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The bill was introduced by Rep. Houlahan along with Reps. Strickland and Jacobs, all Democrats, and has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee. It would need to clear this committee before moving to a full House vote.
From policy text
“Ms. Houlahan (for herself, Ms. Strickland, and Ms. Jacobs) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services”
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The change would be especially significant for service members stationed in states that have banned or restricted abortion access. Because military bases are federal property, care provided there would not be subject to state-level restrictions, giving troops consistent access regardless of where they're assigned.
The bill is short and direct — its entire operative provision is a single sentence repealing the existing restriction. This means it would fully remove the ban rather than creating exceptions or partial access.
From policy text
“To amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the restriction on the use of funds and facilities of the Department of Defense for abortion care.”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

StateScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jun 12, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Jun 12, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

1 article

Military.com·8 months ago

VA to Ban Nearly All Abortions at VA Facilities, Drop Coverage for Procedure for Dependents

The VA plans to halt nearly all abortions at its medical centers. This regulatory shift occurs as Democrats continue to push for the MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act, which would allow the Department of Defense to perform and fund abortions for service members and their families.