FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Modern Military Association of America
Email: [email protected]
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Washington, D.C. – On Saturday, December 7th, the House of Representatives filed a new version of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a provision banning medically necessary healthcare coverage for transgender adolescents of military service members and retirees. This rider was added at the last moment after lawmakers already negotiated a clean bill, negating months of discussions.
“Lawmakers are playing politics with the military families’ healthcare. This is a betrayal of our service members and a threat to national security,” said Modern Military Executive Director, Rachel Branaman. “By forcing families to choose between their military careers and their children’s healthcare, this bill would lead to decreased military readiness and retention. Families have made it clear that they will choose healthcare for their loved ones over their careers if this provision is passed.”
Branaman goes on to say, “Further, lawmakers are risking the passage of a very necessary pay raise for enlisted troops by including dangerous healthcare cuts for military families. This forces military families to risk economic stability for their family’s health.”
Sec. 708 of the updated NDAA prohibits “coverage under TRICARE program of certain medical procedures for children that could result in sterilization.” However, this care is deemed medically necessary by every major medical and psychological association in America. The necessary, safe, and reversible medical care that transgender youth receive is vital, life-saving care that reduces rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
We call on Congress to do what’s right and vote against this bill. We call upon service members to contact their representatives and demand that lawmakers stop playing politics with the lives of their family members and protect their right to medically-necessary healthcare.
For more information, visit: https://modernmilitary.org/2024/12/ndaamedcoverage2024/#
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Modern Military is the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ+ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families, and allies. We educate, advocate, and champion for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families as well as people living with HIV. We envision an inclusive and equitable military environment where every member of the LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive community is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
