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Get it nowFinding abortion care while living on or near a military base can be complicated. Logistics are often tricky, and privacy may be a top priority. If you’re an active duty service member, a military spouse, a dependent, or a civilian staff member, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, or National Guard—or you want to support someone who is—here’s how to navigate care that works for you, without added stress or unwanted attention.
Looking for medication abortion care? Hey Jane provides affordable abortion pills, discreet delivery, and judgment-free support from licensed providers for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. See if you’re eligible →
Recent news: What the VA abortion ban proposal means for veterans
The current administration has proposed a rule that would block the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) from providing abortion care or even related counseling to veterans. This harmful policy would strip away critical health services and put veterans, who already face barriers to care, at risk.
Public comments on this proposed rule are open until September 3 at 11:59pm ET. Sharing your feedback is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard and protect access to care for veterans. While public comments aren’t a direct vote, they create a legal record, show overwhelming public opposition, and help advocates and journalists hold the administration accountable. Submit a comment here or learn more.
Can I get an abortion if I’m in the military?
Yes. It is legal to have an abortion as a service member, but federal restrictions on the Military Health System (MHS) and state laws can make it harder to access abortion care. Here are some of the most common barriers:
What are abortion pills?
Abortion pills are a safe, FDA-approved treatment to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. They are the most common abortion method in the U.S. and can be prescribed virtually by a licensed provider like Hey Jane. In fact, our patients can complete intake online 24/7, have the medications mailed quickly and discreetly, and access expert support throughout the entire process.
The process is typically completed at home over 1 to 2 days, and involves two different medications:
- Mifepristone: The first pill stops the pregnancy from growing. It usually doesn’t cause side effects, and you can go about your normal routine after taking it.
- Misoprostol: The second pill, taken 6 to 48 hours later, causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. These symptoms can be safely managed at home. Treatment through Hey Jane includes pain and nausea medications to help with comfort.
Learn more about how to take abortion pills and what to expect →
Benefits of virtual abortion care for service members
Virtual care may be a helpful option if you’re in the military. Here’s why:
Does TRICARE cover abortion care?
TRICARE only covers abortion care if a physician certifies that:
- Your life is in danger, or
- The pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
TRICARE does not cover abortion in any other cases, such as fetal abnormalities or for mental health reasons.
If you have another insurance plan (such as through your family or spouse) that covers abortion, you may be able to use that instead.
If not, affordable options still exist. Hey Jane offers income-based pricing, financial assistance through abortion funds, and third-party “buy now, pay later” options.
Does abortion go on your military health record?
Typically, no. Your abortion may appear in your military health records only in certain situations, such as if you:
- Use services through Military Health System (MHS) for, or related to, your abortion
- Discuss your abortion with an MHS provider
- Ask your abortion provider to share records with your MHS provider or TRICARE
If you get care outside of the MHS—like through Hey Jane—or pay out-of-pocket (or with the help of an abortion fund), you can keep your abortion out of your military health records.
Do I have to tell the military I had an abortion?
Usually, no. However, the military expects service members to report health conditions that affect their readiness or ability to serve. So, unless your abortion results in complications or impacts your fitness for duty, you’re generally not required to report it.
If you’re unsure about whether you need to disclose something, it’s a good idea to speak with a trusted medical provider, legal aid group, or military support organization to understand your rights and responsibilities.
How to get an abortion on or near a military base
Here are three main ways to access abortion care:
1. Medication abortion through a telehealth clinic
With providers like Hey Jane, you can connect with a licensed clinician virtually, get abortion pills discreetly delivered to your door (or a FedEx pickup location), and complete your abortion at home, on base, or wherever is most comfortable over a few days.
2. Traveling to a nearby state
If you’re stationed in a restrictive state, traveling to a nearby state might be your best option. It’s legal to travel for abortion care, and you don’t need to be a resident of a state to get abortion care there. You can often have medication shipped to a secure location—like a hotel, Airbnb, or FedEx pickup point—where you can safely take the medication. Abortion funds may also be able to help with travel and lodging.
3. In-clinic abortion
Some people need or prefer an in-person procedure, either because of how many weeks their pregnancy is or due to their medical history. This can be harder near remote or Southern bases, so planning ahead can help you avoid delays in treatment.
Regardless of where you seek care: If you experience a rare complication requiring urgent follow-up treatment, you can seek care at an MTF (as explained here.)
How to protect your privacy while on base
Here are some tips for keeping care discreet:
- Use your personal email and phone or laptop—not government devices
- If you don’t have a private bathroom, some abortion funds can help cover hotel costs
- Use confidential hotlines and text lines vetted by trusted reproductive health organizations
- Connect with trusted friends or family for support and information.
Major U.S. military bases and abortion access
Hey Jane is available in over 22 states, plus Washington, D.C, and you don’t have to live in one of these places to get care. Depending on your base, the closest Hey Jane-friendly state may be a short drive, train ride, or flight away.
Below are the largest bases by branch and the nearest Hey Jane state:
Army base abortion access
Naval base abortion access
Marine Corps base abortion access
Air Force base abortion access
Space Force base abortion access
National Guard base abortion access
Coast Guard base abortion access
Can I get abortion pills if I’m deployed abroad?
It depends on the laws of the country or locality you are deployed in. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) lists Mifepristone and Misoprostol as essential medicines, you must check whether the customs regulations of the country where you’re located allows you to order abortion pills. So, in some countries, you may be able to order pills online, but rules vary widely.
Hey Jane does not ship abortion pills outside of the U.S. To be eligible for care, you must be located in a state we serve for your virtual consultation, to receive the pills by mail, and to complete treatment.
So, if you’re deployed, discreet abortion care can be complicated. Reach out to a trusted reproductive health organization for the most up-to-date options.
Why military communities need better abortion access
Even in the best circumstances, getting abortion care takes planning. The Military Health System (MHS) serves more than 1.6 million people with uteruses of reproductive age, and over 2 million beneficiaries live in states where abortion is banned or heavily restricted. For those living and working on or near military bases, the barriers are even higher—and the need for private, reliable options is even more essential.
Here’s why:
- A higher percentage of people are of reproductive age
- Frequent relocation or isolation from support networks
- Privacy concerns in tight-knit military communities.
- Added mental and physical stress from deployment or active duty
If you’re on or near a military base, you do have options—even if the system makes it harder. Whether you choose virtual care with Hey Jane from your base or in a nearby state, you can take control of your care on your terms.
Hey Jane is here to provide private, judgment-free, and straightforward abortion care—because everyone deserves that. Start your intake here →
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