Senators remain unmoved by Pentagon briefing on abortion policy changes.
The Department of Defense Briefs Senate Committee on Controversial Abortion Policy
The Department of Defense recently provided a briefing to the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding its highly debated abortion policy. This policy has garnered renewed attention due to ongoing discussions surrounding the National Defense Authorization Act.
Updated Policies and Reimbursement for Travel Expenses
Following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the Department of Defense made revisions to its policies. One notable change includes the provision for service members or their dependents to receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred when seeking specific reproductive healthcare, such as abortions, in states where local laws restrict access.
This policy has become particularly significant as Congress debates the National Defense Authorization Act. The House version of the bill, which passed with overwhelming opposition from Democrats, includes a provision to end this policy.
Statements from Senators Reed and Wicker
After the briefing, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), the chairman and ranking member of the committee, respectively, released statements reaffirming their support and opposition to the policy.
“The Defense Department laid out clear, plain facts to the committee. The Department of Justice has examined the Pentagon’s policy and found it to be entirely legal, consistent with 40 years of precedent through both Republican and Democratic administrations,” Reed said in a statement. “Every institution in this country that is responsible for overseeing the Pentagon has reviewed this policy, upheld its legality, and disproven arguments to the contrary. Presented with these facts, only willful ignorance or stubborn hubris could lead one to continue to claim that this policy is illegal.”
Wicker, however, focused his reaction on the potential use of taxpayer money to facilitate late-term abortions. ”There’s no question what I just heard. I heard officials of the Biden administration say that under this policy, taxpayer money will be used to facilitate abortions in the eighth or ninth month of pregnancy. Under the policy that was just explained by the department officials, taxpayer money will be used to pay for travel to facilitate abortions that late in pregnancy,” the top Republican explained.
Implications and Future Showdown
While the provision to overturn the policy was passed by the Republican majority in the House, it is unlikely to receive support from the Democratic majority in the Senate. This sets the stage for a significant showdown when both chambers merge their bills into one.
A RAND study published in September 2022 revealed that approximately 40% of female U.S. service members lack or have limited access to abortion services due to the Supreme Court’s ruling. With women comprising about one-fifth of the military, this issue holds great importance.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has utilized the DOD policy to delay around 260 military promotions and nominations since February. Discussions between Tuberville and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have taken place, but a resolution has yet to be reached.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of Tuberville’s hold on national security, with senior military officers expressing their frustrations. Wicker acknowledged these concerns and hopes for a resolution.
Expanding Coverage for Fertility Treatments
Additionally, the policy extends to covering travel expenses for individuals seeking non-covered fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization.
As the debate continues, the future of the Department of Defense’s abortion policy remains uncertain. The outcome of the National Defense Authorization Act and the merging of bills from both chambers will ultimately determine the fate of this controversial policy.
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