Defense Department to give travel funds for troops seeking abortions

The Department of Defense will give travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who are seeking an abortion but live in states that have banned the medical procedure, according to a new order from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday.

Why it matters: Austin said the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June has had "readiness, recruiting, and retention implications" for the armed forces.

Along with covering travel expenses for troops or their dependents, the order also requires the department to create a program to support Department of Defense health care providers who face civil or criminal penalties for providing abortion services are allowed by federal law.