Department of the Army Pamphlet DA PAM 600-25 U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development Guide December 2018

Product Information

Yes, TRICARE will continue to pay for abortions for Soldiers, dependents, or other eligible DoD beneficiaries in cases where the life of the mother would be endangered should the fetus be carried to term or in the case in which the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest (described as “covered abortions”). Private sector health care facilities are subject to the laws of the state where the care is provided. When state law restricts certain types of care, that care may no longer be available through private sector health care facilities in the local area. DoD’s Office of Military Community and Family Policy establishes policy for the provision of a range of support services to help military families with major life events, such as a pregnancy. What other care does DoD provide when a Soldier, dependent, or other beneficiary receives a covered abortion? Who can provide Soldiers, dependents, or other beneficiaries with women’s health care such as long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)? Do they have to be OB/GYNs or can they get it from a primary care physician? Where can they access this healthcare?

o The New Parent Support Program is a program for expectant parents or those with children ages three and younger and offers pregnancy and parenting education and support primarily through home visitation services. New Parent Support Program staff are child development professionals, including registered nurses and clinical social workers, who are able to connect new and expectant parents to local pregnancy and parenting related resources. It is available to Soldiers, eligible spouses and partners. In some locations, they may also offer pregnancy and parenting related groups and classes. There are military duties, occupational health hazards, and medical conditions where the proper execution of the military mission outweighs the interests served by delaying commander notification of a pregnancy. If the DoD health care provider makes the notification to a commander, the Soldier will be notified prior to the command notification except in exigent circumstances. A commander will be notified of a pregnancy prior to the 20th week if: The treating DoD health care provider has determined that there are special medical circumstances that require earlier notification.

Privacy Act Statement

What is the process that a Soldier, dependent, or other beneficiary would use to seek covered abortion services? Installation-based Military and Family Support Centers provide programs and services to increase resilience. These programs and services include non-medical counseling, personal and family life education, financial readiness, and information and referral services. DoD performs or pays for abortions for Soldiers, dependents, or other eligible DoD beneficiaries in cases where the life of the mother would be endangered should the fetus be carried to term or where the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest (described as “covered abortions”). An eligible beneficiary can request a covered abortion from a MTF provider. What is the new policy on travel and transportation allowances for non-covered reproductive health care? What is non-covered reproductive health care?

Human Resources professionals provide special assistance during a unit inactivation November 21, 2023 Military OneSource is available 24/7 (http://www.militaryonesource.mil or 800-342-9647) to support the holistic needs of military families. Services include confidential non-medical counseling, financial counseling, peer-to-peer support, and specialty consultation sessions for expectant parents. Depending on the specific need or request, Military OneSource can also facilitate connections to installation- and community-based services.The Soldier is in a position pre-identified by Army regulations as having mission responsibilities or being subject to occupational health hazards that would significantly risk mission accomplishment.

All necessary medical and psychological services and supplies related to a covered abortion may be provided by the MTF or by a TRICARE authorized provider for eligible dependents of a Soldier. This may include ultrasound performed prior to the abortion, pathology services, pregnancy tests, office visits, and any applicable requirements mandated by state and/or local laws. Will TRICARE continue to provide coverage for abortion services in the case of rape, incest or when the life of the mother would be endangered? What if state law restricts my ability to receive an abortion? More information on this policy is available at: www.health.mil/EnsuringAccesstoReproductiveHealth. Chapter 15 - Consolidated Military and Civilian Career Fields and Principal Coordination Points by Personnel Proponent An Ounce of Prevention; Fort Liberty's PAR Program Takes the Lead in Protecting Our Own November 20, 2023DoD providers must have a “good faith” belief that the patient is a victim of rape or incest to perform the abortion. Soldiers are not required to make a formal report or engage with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program or Family Advocacy Program (FAP) to be eligible for an abortion, although providers are still required to notify the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or FAP that they are treating a patient who reports they are a victim of sexual assault, so that the SARC or FAP can inform the victim of services and reporting options. There is no requirement that the health care provider inform the SARC or FAP that the patient requested an abortion. DoD providers should engage MTF legal counsel and MTF leadership, as well as subject matter experts within SAPR Program or FAP, if there are concerns about making a “good faith” belief determination. Who is eligible to request travel and transportation allowances under the new policy? What information is required in the request? Yes. Eligible DoD beneficiaries are encouraged to follow-up with their Primary Care Manager or Women’s Health Provider following a pregnancy termination to obtain necessary follow-up care, to include convalescent leave (as indicated) or provision of contraception. This follow-up care is available regardless of whether the abortion service was a covered or non-covered procedure. Additionally, if a patient comes to a MTF with acute complications following a pregnancy termination, it is the duty of the receiving provider to care for these acute issues. By regulation, Active Duty Service members who experience complications resulting from a non- covered treatment also may be authorized for treatment in the private sector if necessary, consistent with applicable law. other information, indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether criminal, civil, or