The new policy by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the Pentagon will pay the expenses for service members who choose to fly for abortion. Austin revealed that the Defense Department would establish travel reimbursements for service personnel and their dependents who travel for abortions. Taxpayer money will be used to pay for the new policy, just like the rest of the Pentagon.
Decision of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court decided to overrule Roe V. Wade’s decision that legalized abortion nationally, and it prompted the policy change. Earlier this year, the court declared that there was no federal right to abortion. Thereby returning control of the matter to state administrations for regulation. Following the decision, abortion was outlawed in 13 states. Large-scale military complexes in a number of these jurisdictions house and equip thousands of military personnel.
For example, Fort Hood is situated in Texas, where abortion is now prohibited. Without counting the civilian relatives of service members assigned there, the army camps have a military community of over 40,000 people who are actively serving.
Federal Law
According to Austin, the fact that certain states have outlawed abortion has made it available to members and their families at a severe disadvantage that may adversely affect morale and enlistment. Federal law has prohibited the act of abortions in military centers. Tricare, a health insurance program for active duty military personnel and their families, is not covering the expense.
The Defense Department’s new policy enables service members to receive travel reimbursements if they or a dependent must travel across states for an abortion. As an alternative to taking personal leave, the policy permits service members to request an administrative absence from their obligations to get an abortion.
