Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act

# Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act (HR 1742) **What the bill would do:** This bill would allow active-duty military members and their dependents to use military leave and have the military cover travel costs if they need to travel for reproductive health care—including abortion services—when such care is unavailable or restricted at their current duty location. Currently, military personnel in states with abortion restrictions may face challenges accessing these services. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, and their family members. It could impact military bases located in states with limited abortion access, and would require the Department of Defense to establish new policies and procedures. **Key provisions and current status:** The bill would establish military leave policies and reimbursement mechanisms for reproductive care travel.

As of now, HR 1742 remains in committee and has not advanced to a full House vote. The bill addresses the gap between federal military policy and state-level abortion restrictions, but faces significant partisan divide—supporters argue it supports military readiness and healthcare access, while opponents have concerns about federal abortion policy.