Pentagon to launch pilot program in Sept 2026 covering sperm and egg freezing for deploying troops

Published Aug 12, 08:44 PM UTC

The Pentagon will launch a three-year pilot program in September 2026 to reimburse eligible service members for cryopreserving sperm or eggs before deployment or extended separation. The benefit, mandated by the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, covers up to $500 per year for sperm retrieval and cryopreservation and up to $10,000 per year for egg preservation. Eligible troops include those receiving hazardous duty pay orders, those expecting such orders within 120 days, or those separated from a spouse or partner for 180 days or more. Service members can use military treatment facilities or civilian clinics, with reimbursement requested within 120 days. The program follows over a decade of advocacy by military families and fertility organizations, and a prior 2016 initiative that never materialized. The DoD will study the program's popularity, cost, feasibility, and impact on readiness.