What is Contraception?

Capt. Kelly Elmore, Ob/Gyn and Chief of Staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, explains what is contraception. Walk-in contraceptive services are now available at military hospitals and clinics. No referral or appointment is required. Learn more and find clinic locations here: https://www.tricare.mil/walkincontraceptiveservices

Benefits & Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control

Capt. Kelly Elmore, Ob/Gyn and Chief of Staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, explains some benefits and side effects of hormonal birth control. Walk-in contraceptive services are now available at military hospitals and clinics. No referral or appointment is required. Learn more and find clinic locations here: https://www.tricare.mil/walkincontraceptiveservices

What is Hormonal Birth Control?

Capt. Kelly Elmore, OB/GYN and Chief of Staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, explains hormonal birth control. Walk-in contraceptive services are now available at military hospitals and clinics. No referral or appointment is required. Learn more and find clinic locations here: https://www.tricare.mil/walkincontraceptiveservices

Benefits of Hormonal Birth Control

Capt. Kelly Elmore, OB/GYN and Chief of Staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, explains some benefits hormonal birth control. Walk-in contraceptive services are now available at military hospitals and clinics. No referral or appointment is required. Learn more and find clinic locations here: https://www.tricare.mil/walkincontraceptiveservices

Walk-in Contraception Services at Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Policy Number: 6025.09

Establishes the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) procedures for implementation of walk-in contraception services at all Military Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF), for Active Duty members of the Armed Forces and for eligible beneficiaries of the Military Health System (MHS) on a space available basis.

Frequently Asked Questions on Reproductive Health Care

On Oct. 20, 2022, the Secretary of Defense released a memorandum, “Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care,” directing the Department take a series of actions to ensure Service members and their families can access non-covered reproductive health care. On Feb. 16, 2023, the Department of Defense released those directed policies, which will be effective no later than 30 days from Feb. 16, 2023.

DOD Releases Policies to Ensure Access to Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care

The Department of Defense has released the directed policies on command notification of pregnancy, administrative absence for non-covered reproductive health care, and travel allowances for non-covered reproductive health care.

Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services

This regulation ensures Service members and eligible dependents are eligible for travel and transportation allowances to access non-covered reproductive health care services when timely access to non-covered reproductive health care services is not available within the local area of the member’s permanent duty station, temporary duty location, or the last location the dependent was transported on authorized government orders.

Command Notification of Pregnancy

This policy clarifies when a Service member’s pregnancy status is shared with commanders, standardizes and extends the timeframe for Service members to inform their commanders about a pregnancy, and reinforces that commanders must always exercise objectivity and discretion when handling reproductive health care issues.

Overview: Ensuring Access to Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care

These policies reflect our commitment to taking care of our people and ensuring that the entire Force remains ready and resilient. These policies ensure Service members are able to access non-covered reproductive health care regardless of where they are stationed.

Administrative Absence for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care

This policy provides Service members the ability to request an administrative absence from their normal duty stations in order to access, or accompany a dual-military spouse or dependent to access, non-covered reproductive health care without being charged leave.

USU, Canadian Armed Forces Host Military Women’s Health Workshop

Women make up nearly 20% of the the United States Armed Forces, so having more females in healthcare professions creates a much more effective force. That's why the Uniformed Services University and Canadian Armed Forces Health Services collaborated recently to advance research on women’s health issues and to optimize care for women in uniform.

Uniformed Services University Professor Develops Self-Diagnosis, Treatment Kit for Common Female Infections

It's a major research advancement in women's health and females serving in the U.S. military may soon have access to it. See how a new, self-diagnosis and self-treatment kit can help deployed women overseas or in austere environments.

World Cancer Day

Cancer Moonshot aims to cut the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years. Learn how the Military Health System is doing our part (https://www.health.mil/CancerMoonshot) and check out this story of a Marine sharing his experience being diagnosed with B-Cell Leukemia while deployed. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/842418/cancer-moonshot-initiative-marine-with-leukemia-shares-his-story #WorldCancerDay

Women's Health Equity is a Real Focus for DOD, Mullen Says

Women’s heath equity is fully invested in by DOD’s actions, acting AD for Health Affairs tells a recent podcast.