Trump administration reverses Biden's reproductive healthcare travel reimbursements

In a significant policy reversal, the Pentagon has ended a program that reimbursed service members and their families for travel expenses incurred while seeking abortions and other reproductive healthcare outside of their home state. This change, announced in early February 2025, follows the ascension of Donald Trump as president and the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. Under the Biden administration, a policy was established in late 2022 allowing support for troops needing healthcare services that were not available where they were stationed, which became even more crucial after the repeal of Roe v. Wade. The move drew immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who argue it undermines access to vital healthcare and puts military personnel, especially women, in jeopardy. The Pentagon's latest directive cites a commitment to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funds from being used for abortions, and has raised questions about the ongoing implications for service members who find themselves in states with strict abortion laws. Advocates for reproductive rights within Congress stated that the restriction on travel reimbursements could lead to adverse health outcomes for service members and their families, as many may be stationed in areas where reproductive healthcare is heavily limited or altogether unavailable. Pro-life senators, notably including Tommy Tuberville, praised the change and argued against federal funding of abortion services. Overall, this decision reflects the broader national debate over reproductive rights, healthcare access, and the legal landscape around abortion in the United States, raising concerns about military readiness and the welfare of service members navigating these challenges.