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A groundbreaking study has revealed that UK Armed Forces servicewomen encounter a distinct set of challenges when seeking abortion care, including access difficulties, stigma, and judgmental attitudes from predominantly male senior colleagues. The study, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, is the first of its kind to explore the abortion experiences of UK servicewomen.
Despite a relatively low response rate, the findings highlight significant gaps in policy and information on abortion access for military personnel and healthcare providers. Researchers are calling for urgent reforms to ensure servicewomen receive the necessary support.
Gender-Specific Health Needs Overlooked
Women comprise nearly 12% of the UK Armed Forces, and around one in three women in the UK will undergo an abortion by the age of 45. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the military fails to meet servicewomen’s reproductive health needs, especially during active duty.
In response to the lack of global research on abortion care in the Armed Forces, researchers conducted an online survey between March and April 2024. Participants were asked about their abortion experiences, perceived barriers to care, and how their military service influenced their decisions.
A total of 427 women across the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force completed the survey, representing just over 2.5% of the 16,290 servicewomen in the UK Armed Forces as of October 2023. Of these respondents, 124 (29%) had undergone an abortion, with 102 (83%) doing so during military service. About 12% of those who had an abortion were deployed overseas at the time.
Impact of Military Service on Abortion Decisions
Nearly half of those who had an abortion during their military service said their role influenced their decision. Many cited concerns about pregnancy-related employment restrictions (“downgrading”) and the perception that pregnancy could hinder promotion prospects. These factors contributed to their decision to terminate pregnancies.
More than half of all respondents (52.5%) believed there were barriers to accessing abortion care in the UK Armed Forces. Researchers identified four major themes in the free-text responses:
- Challenges of Military Life: Frequent relocation and overseas deployment made accessing abortion care difficult. Many also noted the lack of privacy in shared living spaces and the incompatibility of motherhood with military service.
- Distrust of Information Holders: Servicewomen were reluctant to discuss reproductive health issues due to a male-dominated environment and concerns about confidentiality.
- Barriers to Access and Stigma: Many respondents felt judged by military healthcare providers and senior officers. Some even reported experiences of misogyny, further eroding trust.
- Lack of Awareness and Guidance: Servicewomen expressed frustration over the absence of clear information on abortion access and aftercare. Many felt unsupported in dealing with the psychological impact of their experience.
Call for Policy Reform and Better Support
The study’s authors acknowledge that the response rate was low, partly due to some military leaders’ reluctance to distribute the survey. Additionally, abortion remains an emotive issue, potentially influencing who chose to participate.
Nevertheless, the findings underscore the need for further research and policy improvements. The researchers suggest that similar challenges may exist in other male-dominated fields such as law enforcement and aviation.
They urge the UK Armed Forces to break the “organizational silence” surrounding abortion by implementing robust policies and providing evidence-based information for all stakeholders. While military medical services do not perform abortions in the UK, they argue that the military should facilitate comprehensive abortion care for servicewomen.
Citing previous research, the authors emphasize: “Ultimately, women must not be denied comprehensive reproductive care because they have had the courage to join the military and protect the freedoms afforded others by their service.”
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health and reflects the views of the researchers. The findings should be interpreted in the context of the study’s limitations, including response bias and the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
