Getting abortion care while living on or near a military base can be complicated. Military policies, logistics, and privacy concerns can all affect your options. This guide from I Need an A, the National Women's Law Center, and the Repro Legal Helpline will help you understand your options and find the care that's right for you.

What’s inside (jump to a section)
Where to get an abortion | MTF | Pills by mail | Traveling for an abortion | Taking Leave | Costs + Insurance | Follow Up Care | Privacy | Support Resources

Where can I get an abortion?

It depends on where you are stationed and what the abortion laws are in that state. More than 100 U.S. military installations are located in states where abortion is banned, with additional bases in states that severely restrict abortion access.

Being stationed in one of these states doesn't mean you're out of options. Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, where you live, and your preferences, you may be able to:

• go to a nearby clinic
• receive abortion pills by mail
• or travel to another state for care

The easiest way to see what's available where you are is to go to ineedana.com and search up-to-date information about your state's laws, nearby clinics, abortion pills by mail, and support organizations.

And if you’re unsure of what the best option is for you based on your situation, call the Repro Legal Helpline.

Can I get an abortion at a Military Treatment Facility?

Usually, no.

Federal law prohibits Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) from providing abortion care except when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or to save the pregnant person’s life. The same federal law prohibits TRICARE, the military health insurance program, from covering abortion except in these same circumstances. This law applies no matter the abortion laws in the state where you are stationed.

If you qualify under one of the exceptions, you should be able to receive abortion care at a MTF. If your pregnancy resulted from sexual assault, you do not have to report the assault to law enforcement or your command in order to receive care. However, receiving care through the military doesn't always mean your information will stay between you and your provider. In some circumstances, military providers can share health information with your command without your permission.

Can I get abortion pills by mail?

Yes! Many people all over the country (including in states that restrict a doctor from providing abortions) are ordering and receiving abortion pills in the mail. It is not a crime to end your own pregnancy in any state, except in Nevada after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Some people get pills through a telehealth appointment with a clinician if it's available where they live, while others use a shield provider to access care across state lines. Some choose to order pills in advance so they have them if they're ever needed.

Search all of your pills by mail options at ineedana.com or plancpills.org.

And if you'd like to learn more you can compare the different ways to get abortion pills.

If I decide to travel to a clinic, what should I keep in mind?

If you can't get care where you're stationed—or if you decide you'd rather receive care somewhere else—you may decide to travel for an abortion.

Everyone has the constitutional right to travel between states for any reason, including to get an abortion. There is no state that makes it a crime for someone to leave one state to get an abortion in another. But traveling is not always easy or possible for everyone, especially for those in the military.

Will I need to take leave?

Probably.

If you're an active duty service member, you'll probably need to take personal leave if your abortion or travel takes place during duty hours. But if you're receiving abortion pills by mail and can take them while off duty, you may not need formal leave.

Learn more about how the medication abortion works and what to expect.

How much does abortion cost? Will TRICARE cover it?

The cost of an abortion depends on several factors, including how many weeks pregnant you are, where you receive care, and whether you have an abortion procedure or use abortion pills. If you need to travel, you may also have expenses like transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, or time away from work.

If you don't have insurance—or don't want to use it—you may need to pay out of pocket. The good news is that abortion funds and practical support organizations may be able to help cover some or all of the cost of your abortion, travel, or other expenses. You can estimate the cost of your abortion using I Need an A's Cost Calculator and search for organizations that may be able to help.

Most insurance companies send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the primary insurance holder after medical care is received. While the EOB doesn't always include every detail about your care, it may reveal that you received reproductive healthcare services.

If you're covered under someone else's insurance and don't want them to know about your abortion, you may decide not to use insurance.

What if I need follow up care after my abortion?

Most people do not need any medical care after an abortion. But if you have questions or think something isn't right, start by contacting the clinic or provider that helped you with your abortion. If you can’t reach them or aren’t sure whether you need medical attention, you can also contact the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline at 1-833-246-2632.

If you're worried you may need emergency care, read our guide on What If I Go to the ER After an Abortion or Miscarriage?

If you've returned to a state with abortion restrictions and need an ultrasound, miscarriage care, or other follow-up care, read How to Find Safe Pre- and Post-Abortion Care in Restricted States to find trusted providers.

You can read more about your rights when speaking with healthcare providers about your abortion here.

What should I know about pregnancy and privacy in the military?

In most situations, your command does not automatically need to know that you’re pregnant or what you decide to do about the pregnancy. However, there are some situations where pregnancy must be reported or certain medical information can be shared with your command.

Free + Confidential Support

I Need An A
Find abortion options, clinics, pills by mail and support

Plan C
Information about accessing abortion pills online for safe home abortion

Repro Legal Helpline
Call (844) 868-2812 or fill out this form | Legal information and support about abortion + pregnancy

M+A Hotline
Call or text (833)246-2632 | Medical support before, during or after an abortion or miscarriage

Reprocare
Call or text (833) 226-7821 | Support before, during or after an abortion with pills

All Options Talkline
Call (888) 493-0092 | Nonjudgemental support for talking through pregnancy options

MilitaryOneSource
Call (800) 342-9647 | Counseling for service members and military families