What impact will the Roe v. Wade overrule have on the military and its readiness?

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:25:04 -0400

I've been out for a decade so I have no idea what the current policies are around abortion are, but I'm wondering what this means for the force going forward.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 24 at 2022 2:11 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:11:51 -0400

This is the only time TRICARE covers an abortion:

TRICARE covers abortions only when:

The pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.

A physician must note in the patient’s medical record that it is their good faith belief, based on all available information, that the pregnancy was the result of an act of rape or incest.

The life of the mother is at risk.

The physician must certify that the abortion was performed because the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term.

So other than that, servicemembers are SOL when it comes to abortions. We have to go take care of it off base with our own money. I was even told by a friend, another soldier, who had an abortion the MTF she was seen said they aren't even supposed to give out recommendations of clinics.

I don't think it will impact readiness since it's seemingly been this way for quite a long time that TRICARE only covers abortions in certain cases.

Edit: Actually I'll change this - it may impact recruiting because if people with uteruses see that they don't have protection if they're stationed somewhere that has banned abortion, they may not join. So recruiting may be affected - and maybe retention.

The DoD has no policy in place to help these servicemembers. They're "looking into it" but we all know how long that can take.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Jun 24 at 2022 2:13 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:13:26 -0400

Nothing....absolutely nothing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2022 2:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:56:03 -0400

Well some services are allowing change of stations where members or their children who are Trans can safely live and get medical treatment.