Congress Considering New Leave Rules for Sailors, Marines Seeking Abortions - USNI News

Congress is considering new legislation that would remove a barrier for sailors and Marines to get time off for abortions.

Currently, the Navy and Marine Corps do not have a leave policy that would allow pregnant service members to get abortions, especially those that require leaving the state. Although Tricare, the military insurance, covers abortions when the mother’s life is at risk or in the case of rape, federal funding cannot be used for abortions, meaning most service members must go elsewhere for the services.

For sailors stationed in Texas, which has a total abortion ban, this would mean crossing state lines. Florida, home to Naval Air Station Pensacola, has a 15-week ban in place, although it is currently being challenged in court.

The Army and the Air Force both have policies that prevent a commander from denying leave for pregnancy termination, but the Navy and Marine Corps have not adopted similar policies.