H.R.3969 - Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act; MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3969, also known as the Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act or the MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act, aims to repeal the restriction on the use of Department of Defense funds and facilities for abortion care. The bill seeks to amend Title 10 of the United States Code by repealing Section 1093, which currently restricts abortion access for military servicemembers.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 12, 2025, by Ms. Houlahan, Ms. Strickland, and Ms. Jacobs, and was referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
If enacted, this bill would allow the Department of Defense to use its funds and facilities to provide abortion services to military servicemembers, potentially expanding healthcare access for this population.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to remove existing restrictions on abortion access for military servicemembers. This would allow the Department of Defense to cover abortion services and provide them in military medical facilities.
This change could lead to increased access to reproductive healthcare for servicemembers, particularly those stationed in areas where abortion access is limited or restricted. It may also affect the Department of Defense's healthcare budget and resource allocation.
Passage of this bill would likely spark further debate regarding the role of the military in providing reproductive healthcare and the broader issue of abortion rights.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to reproductive healthcare for military servicemembers, ensuring they have comprehensive healthcare options.
- Greater equity in healthcare access for servicemembers, regardless of their location or duty station.
- Alignment of military healthcare benefits with those available to civilian employees.
- Potential for improved health outcomes for servicemembers by allowing them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
- Reduction in the financial burden on servicemembers who may currently have to travel or pay out-of-pocket for abortion services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased healthcare costs for the Department of Defense.
- Concerns from some individuals and groups who oppose abortion on moral or religious grounds.
- Possible strain on military medical facilities if there is a significant increase in demand for abortion services.
- Risk of political backlash or legal challenges from those who oppose the bill.
- Potential for conscientious objections from military medical personnel who do not wish to participate in abortion procedures.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex and subject to interpretation. Arguments in favor of alignment could be based on the idea that restricting abortion access infringes upon individual liberties and privacy rights, potentially implicating the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Additionally, providing comprehensive healthcare to military personnel could be seen as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble.
However, opponents might argue that the Constitution does not explicitly guarantee a right to abortion and that states should have the authority to regulate or restrict abortion access. They might also raise concerns about the use of federal funds for abortion services.
Ultimately, the constitutional alignment of this bill would likely be determined by the courts, considering the evolving legal landscape surrounding abortion rights and the specific context of military healthcare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).