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As a commander, what is my role and responsibility with regards to the new policy on administrative absence for non-covered reproductive health care? There is no requirement for a patient to formally report or participate in a formal investigation of a sexual assault for the patient to access abortion services at an MTF. The treating provider is required to notify the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or Family Advocacy Program that they are treating a patient who indicates they are a victim of sexual assault and the pregnancy was the result of a sexual assault, so that information on available resources and reporting options can be provided; however, a beneficiary is not required to utilize any of the services or make a formal restricted or unrestricted report of a sexual assault to be eligible for the abortion. In addition, the provider does not provide the name of the patient to the SARC when the patient declines to make a report of sexual assault or speak with the SARC. The health care provider will document that they, in good faith, believe the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, based on the patient’s report. DoD 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. As a Soldier, what are the circumstances that would require me to notify my command of a pregnancy prior to the 20th week of pregnancy? performing or working on a contract, service, grant, cooperative agreement, or other assignment for
Non-covered reproductive health care is defined in policy as lawfully available assisted reproductive technology and non-covered abortion. Non-covered reproductive health care is at the patient’s expense. Does the DoD provide abortion services for Soldiers or beneficiaries who have been sexually assaulted even if they have not reported the assault, there is no ongoing investigation, or if an investigation has not been completed?
If a Soldier was sexually assaulted, what is the process by which they could access abortion services for a pregnancy resulting from the sexual assault? 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. 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? If a Soldier is a victim of sexual assault and seeking an abortion for a pregnancy resulting from the sexual assault, with whom would they need to disclose their rape or sexual assault? What other care does DoD provide when a Soldier, dependent, or other beneficiary receives a covered abortion?
What information does a patient need to provide, if seeking a covered abortion due to a pregnancy resulting from a sexual assault or incest?
Disclaimer
FORSCOM Lead Sexual Assault Response Coordinators come together to discuss program changes November 17, 2023
National Discussion 2023: Leaders’ Role in Developing Healthy Climates and Prevention November 6, 2023 remedying the risk of harm to individuals, the recipient agency or entity (including its information
Privacy Act Statement
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. SAPRO tours forward deployed Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention resources November 10, 2023 Military and Family Life Counseling services support military members and families with licensed mental health providers who provide non-medical counseling and psychoeducational presentations on various topics to include parenting, communication, stress, and relationship issues. There are other special circumstances, determined on a case-by-case basis by a DoD health care provider, where the military mission outweighs the interests served by delaying notification. When an MTF provider encounters a child the provider suspects has been sexually abused, the child will be given priority for care at an MTF. MTF providers will refer DoD minor- dependents who are victims of sexual assault for follow-on care, which may include referral to a Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) or Family Advocacy Program. A DAVA coordinates and manages care for a victim of sexual assault that occurs within a family or between intimate partners. FAP/DAVA personnel are covered professionals who are required to report suspected child abuse directly to local civilian child welfare services in accordance with law and DoD policy.
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