MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 12, 2025
Bottom line
The bill seeks to expand access to abortion care for military servicemembers by removing current federal restrictions on the use of Department of Defense funds and facilities for such services.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the "MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act," proposes to repeal Section 1093 of title 10, United States Code. This section currently restricts the use of Department of Defense (DoD) funds and facilities for abortion care, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the pregnant person is at risk. The repeal would remove these restrictions, thereby allowing DoD funds and facilities to be used for abortion services more broadly for military servicemembers and their dependents.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the current restrictions disproportionately affect servicemembers, particularly women, who may be stationed in areas with limited access to reproductive healthcare or who face unique challenges due to military life, such as frequent relocation. They contend that repealing the restriction ensures equitable healthcare access, supports military readiness by addressing the comprehensive health needs of servicemembers, and aligns with the principle that all individuals, including those serving in the military, should have access to full reproductive healthcare options.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that repealing the restriction would force taxpayers to fund abortions, which they view as morally objectionable. They argue that federal funds should not be used for elective abortions and that the existing exceptions for rape, incest, and life endangerment are sufficient. Critics also express concerns about the DoD's role in providing such services, preferring that military healthcare focus on core military medical needs and avoid involvement in politically contentious issues.
The bill text is exceptionally short and can be read in under two minutes. However, understanding its full implications requires familiarity with existing federal law and the broader debate surrounding military healthcare and reproductive rights.
Section 2
Repeal of Restriction on Use of Funds and Facilities of Department of Defense for Abortion Care
This section explicitly repeals Section 1093 of title 10, United States Code. Currently, Section 1093 prohibits the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the use of DoD facilities to perform abortions, except when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when the life of the pregnant person would be endangered by the continuation of the pregnancy. By repealing this section, the bill would eliminate these federal restrictions, allowing DoD funds and facilities to be used for abortion services beyond the current limited exceptions.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this repeal is essential for ensuring that servicemembers have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, regardless of where they are stationed. They highlight the unique challenges faced by military families, such as frequent moves and deployments, which can make accessing care outside the military healthcare system difficult. They assert that this change would improve the health and readiness of the force.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that the repeal would mandate federal funding for abortions, which many taxpayers find morally objectionable. They contend that the existing exceptions are sufficient and that expanding access beyond these cases constitutes an inappropriate use of military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also raise concerns about the military becoming involved in what they view as elective procedures.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to provide comprehensive healthcare access for servicemembers against concerns about federal funding for abortion and the moral objections of some taxpayers. It also navigates the tension between individual reproductive autonomy and the scope of services provided by a federally funded military healthcare system.