Pentagon funds soldiers to create babies without parents
Image CreditFDRLST/Canva
The U.S. Department of Defense is set to revolutionize its assisted reproductive technologies (ART) policies, ensuring that taxpayer-funded benefits cover the creation of children without biological parents through in vitro fertilization for single and same-sex soldiers.
This policy change comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by an abortion and transgender activist group against the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The lawsuit challenged the requirements for ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization, egg and sperm retrieval, and egg and sperm cryopreservation.
Previously, DOD and VA rules limited the use of morally and ethically prohibited reproductive procedures funded by taxpayers to married service members and veterans of the opposite sex who could use their own gametes and had received an infertility diagnosis linked to injury, illness, or a service-connected disability.
However, when the National Organization for Women’s New York City Chapter (NOW-NYC) filed a federal complaint in August 2023, the Pentagon changed its stance. NOW-NYC alleged that the DOD and VA policies were arbitrary, unconstitutional, and violated the Affordable Care Act by not covering the costs of overcoming natural biological limits for soldiers who are LGBT, unmarried, or seeking to purchase sperm or eggs.
Last week, the DOD signaled to the court that it planned to keep the injury or illness infertility requirement but would revise its TRICARE policies to allow soldiers to access taxpayer-funded IVF, sperm, and egg purchases regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. These modifications are expected to be finalized in a memorandum by the end of February.
While the VA has not yet indicated any changes to its ART policies, NOW-NYC celebrated the DOD’s shift as a “big win” and the first step towards expanding taxpayer-funded ART even further through future legal action.
“We will continue to challenge DoD and VA to remove all discriminatory barriers so that each and every service member and veteran who needs this reproductive care can access it,” warned NOW-NYC Executive Director Sonia Ossorio in a statement.
This is not the first time activists have used lawsuits to compel taxpayers to assist individuals in intentionally creating children who are intentionally separated from their biological parents. In 2022, a gay couple in New York sued the city government for not meeting the city’s definition of infertility. Despite both plaintiffs being male and biologically incapable of natural procreation, they argued that they met the medical definition of infertility and were entitled to insurance benefits to purchase eggs and rent a womb to have children.
Jordan Boyd is a staff writer at The Federalist and co-producer of The Federalist Radio Hour. Her work has also been featured in The Daily Wire, Fox News, and RealClearPolitics. Jordan graduated from Baylor University where she majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow her on Twitter @jordanboydtx.
How will the revised ART policies in the Department of Defense impact same-sex and single service members’ access to procedures like in vitro fertilization and the use of donor sperm or eggs?
Ame-sex and single service members to access ART procedures, including in vitro fertilization, regardless of their gender or marital status. The revised policies would also cover the use of donor sperm or eggs, further expanding the options available to prospective parents within the military community.
This policy shift represents a significant step towards equality and inclusivity within the armed forces. By widening the criteria for eligibility and eliminating discriminatory restrictions, the Department of Defense is acknowledging the diverse nature of its personnel and taking proactive measures to provide them with the same reproductive rights and opportunities as their counterparts.
The decision to change the ART policies stemmed from a lawsuit filed by NOW-NYC, which argued that the previous regulations violated the constitutional rights of LGBT service members and unmarried individuals. The lawsuit also contended that the absence of coverage for the costs of assisted reproductive technologies for these groups undermined the principles outlined in the Affordable Care Act. The willingness of the Department of Defense to reassess its policies in response to these legal concerns demonstrates a commitment to upholding constitutional rights and adhering to the principles of equitable healthcare provision.
Additionally, this policy revision aligns with the evolving societal attitudes towards family structures and reproductive choices. The recognition that families can be formed through alternative means, such as in vitro fertilization and the use of donor gametes, acknowledges the reality of modern-day parenthood. It is a testament to the Department of Defense’s willingness to adapt and evolve in order to support the needs and aspirations of its personnel.
The implications of these policy changes are profound. By removing barriers to access and ensuring that taxpayer-funded benefits cover the necessary expenses, the Department of Defense is affirming its commitment to supporting all service members in their desire to become parents. This is particularly significant for same-sex and single individuals, who may have previously faced hurdles in their pursuit of parenthood due to restrictive regulations.
Furthermore, this policy shift has broader implications for society as a whole. As one of the largest employers in the United States, the Department of Defense serves as a model for workplace policies and practices. By adopting inclusive ART policies, it sets an example for other institutions and employers to follow, promoting equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of Defense’s decision to revise its assisted reproductive technologies policies marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of equality and inclusivity within the military community. By expanding eligibility criteria and ensuring coverage for procedures like in vitro fertilization, the Department of Defense is sending a clear message of support to all service members, regardless of their marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This policy change not only reflects the evolving societal views on family structures and reproductive choices but also has the potential to inspire other institutions to adopt similar measures.
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