H.R. 1742 — Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act

This section states congressional findings concerning barriers to abortion and fertility care for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, including state bans post-Dobbs, military leave restrictions, time-sensitive care needs, disproportionate impacts on certain groups, service-related infertility risks, and effects on recruitment, retention, and readiness.

This section directs each Secretary concerned to approve leave for a member of the Armed Forces or the member's dependent to obtain non-covered reproductive health care—including abortion care other than that permitted under 10 U.S.C. 1093 (i.e., exceptions for rape, incest, or danger to the life of the mother) and assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cryopreservation—treating such care as time-sensitive and without requiring disclosure of the specific procedure to a commanding officer. The section further requires reimbursement of specified travel-related costs (meals including taxes and tips; lodging including taxes, tips, and service charges; round-trip transportation; and standard travel allowances for necessary escorts or attendants) if timely access is unavailable near the member's or dependent's location; directs the Defense Health Agency and commanding officers to protect the privacy of members to the greatest extent practicable; and prohibits adverse actions against any member for requesting, taking, providing, or approving such leave or related actions.