Sexual Assault Contributes to Problem
The rise in unintended pregnancies among active-duty military women is “alarming,” according to researchers. And the rates are increasing, despite that they already are far higher than in the civilian population. New studies look at the causes of the problem —including rampant military sexual assault — as well as possible solutions.

BLAINVILLE, QUEBEC - Diclegis (doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting.

The ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are enabling researchers to learn more about a question that has plagued them for decades: Is there a difference between men and women who serve in the military when it comes to incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

WASHINGTON — How are military women who deploy to theater handling separation from their children?

Unintended pregnancies among deployed women in the U.S. Armed Forces create not only a significant challenge for the mother-to-be but also can impact troop morale and readiness, according to the author of a new study who says that medical counseling and education can go a long way toward lessening the problem.

WASHINGTON — With more than half of all pregnancies unintended among female troops, the explosive issue of abortions is again being reviewed by Congress. In the latest salvo in that ongoing battle, New York’s Rep. Louise Slaughter and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, are proposing legislation to allow female troops to get an abortion at military hospitals at their own expense or have abortion covered in cases of rape or incest. Please read this article and participate in this month's online opinion poll about whether female servicemembers should be allowed to get abortions at military hospitals at their own expense.

WASHINGTON—Women veterans are dissatisfied with many of the services provided through the VA health-care system, including screening processes for military sexual trauma (MST) that new enrollees receive, according to a survey conducted by the American Legion.

WASHINGTON—In June 2010, legislation was passed making it considerably easier for veterans diagnosed with PTSD to receive service-connected benefits and care from VA.

WASHINGTON—Not that long ago, a woman who had been sexually assaulted might have gone to an Army Military Treatment Facility (MTF), had a forensic examination and then would go home without anyone at the MTF knowing what became of her.

Menopause once was a barrier to women reaching the top ranks of the military because of concerns it could cause “irrational decisions.” Those attitudes have changed, with more than 200,000 women in active duty and more than 50 of them serving as generals and admirals. To better serve their needs, military medicine and VA are taking a close look at women’s health services, including menopause, as the female cohort grows older.