Military (Women in the Military)

Read NWLC's January 23, 2013 statement: Historic Decision on Combat Roles for Women Opens the Doors of Opportunity to All Women in the Armed Forces

Background

We’re working to expand opportunities for female service members, to better prevent and detect sexual harassment and assault, and to eliminate all forms of sex discrimination, including discrimination based on pregnancy and parental status.

Highlights

press release | Historic Decision on Combat Roles for Women Opens the Doors of Opportunity to All Women in the Armed Forces, says NWLC

January 23, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Pentagon Chief Leon Panetta has lifted the military’s ban on women serving in combat.

The following is a statement by Nancy Duff Campbell, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center:

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Fact Sheet | Restrictions on Assignments of Military Women: A Brief History

May 6, 2013

The general trend since the end of the Second World War has been expanding roles for women in the armed forces. This paper provides background information on the history and status of policy governing assignment of military women.

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press release | National Women’s Law Center Applauds Pentagon Decision to Open More Positions to Women, Calls on DOD to End All Remaining Restrictions on Women’s Military Service

February 9, 2012

(Washington, D.C.)  The Pentagon is expected to announce today that it is lifting its 1994 rule permitting the military services to prohibit the assignment of women to units that physically collocate—operate side by side—with ground combat units.  However, it is not changing its rule that prohibits women from being assigned to units whose primary mission is direct ground combat. Read more...

Fact Sheet | Give Military Women the Health Care Coverage They Deserve

May 17, 2012

Under current law, women in the military who are survivors of rape and incest are denied coverage for abortion care.  This coverage is less than the coverage provided to other women who rely on the federal government for health insurance.  Military women sacrifice for our country every day -- we should not thank them by giving them less health care coverage than their civilian counterparts.  The ban on health care coverage for abortion care in case of rape and incest should be lifted immediately.

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More Resources

Fact Sheet | Restrictions on Assignments of Military Women: A Brief History

May 06, 2013

The general trend since the end of the Second World War has been expanding roles for women in the armed forces. This paper provides background information on the history and status of policy governing assignment of military women.

 Read more...

Fact Sheet | Give Military Women the Health Care Coverage They Deserve

May 17, 2012

Under current law, women in the military who are survivors of rape and incest are denied coverage for abortion care.  This coverage is less than the coverage provided to other women who rely on the federal government for health insurance.  Military women sacrifice for our country every day -- we should not thank them by giving them less health care coverage than their civilian counterparts.  The ban on health care coverage for abortion care in case of rape and incest should be lifted immediately.

 Read more...

Fact Sheet | Eliminating Sexual Assault Should Be a Top Priority of the Department of Defense

December 15, 2008

Despite the attention given to the issue in recent years, the sexual assault of military women is an ongoing, serious problem within our armed forces. Sexual assault is a grave criminal offense with detrimental effects on readiness, and preventing it should be an urgent priority of the Department of Defense.

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Fact Sheet | Military Women Should Be Allowed to Serve in All Units and Occupations for Which They Qualify

December 15, 2008
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Fact Sheet | DACOWITS Should Be Revitalized

December 14, 2008
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