MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3969
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-18T21:12:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to eliminate federal restrictions that prevent the Department of Defense (DoD) from using its funds and facilities to provide abortion care to military servicemembers, thereby improving access to reproductive healthcare for those in the armed forces.
Key Provisions
- Repeal of Existing Law: The bill repeals Section 1093 of title 10, United States Code, which currently prohibits the DoD from using appropriated funds or facilities for abortions, except in cases where the life of the mother is endangered or in instances of rape or incest.
- Short Title: The legislation is titled the "Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act" or the "MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removes the longstanding ban (originally enacted in the 1980s and known as the Hydee provision) on DoD funding and facilities for most abortion services, allowing such care to be provided without these limitations.
- This change would align DoD healthcare policies more closely with broader reproductive rights, potentially permitting abortions as part of standard medical services at military facilities.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD would gain flexibility in managing healthcare resources, possibly leading to updated policies and training for medical personnel at military hospitals and clinics.
- On Citizens: Military servicemembers, particularly women who make up about 17% of active-duty personnel, could have easier and more confidential access to abortion care without needing to seek off-base options, which may involve travel, costs, or security risks.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect how U.S. military bases abroad handle healthcare for personnel and dependents in countries with varying abortion laws.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Military Servicemembers and Families: Primary beneficiaries, as it directly enhances reproductive healthcare options for active-duty members, veterans, and their dependents.
- Department of Defense: Responsible for implementing changes in healthcare delivery, budgeting, and compliance.
- Congress and Advocacy Groups: Lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee oversee referral and passage; groups focused on women's rights, military families, and reproductive health (both supportive and opposing) would be engaged in debates.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Shifts authority over military healthcare from restrictive federal mandates to DoD discretion, potentially requiring new regulations to define covered services and funding sources.
- Constitutional: Touches on reproductive rights under the 14th Amendment (equal protection) and privacy precedents like Roe v. Wade (overturned in 2022), but applies specifically to federal military policy rather than civilian law; it does not override state laws for non-military contexts.
- Political: As a partisan issue, the bill could spark debates on federal funding for abortions, military readiness (e.g., ensuring servicemember health), and broader cultural divides, influencing future defense authorization bills.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (2 pages)