Legislative Issues
SWAN has built a national reputation
as a force behind policy change, and we have achieved notable success in transforming military culture and reforming veterans’ services. To date, SWAN has played a major role in opening combat jobs to service women, holding sex offenders accountable in the military justice system, eliminating barriers to disability claims for those who have experienced military sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress, and expanding access for military women to a broad range of reproductive healthcare services.
Read about SWAN’s position on the following critical issues affecting women in the military. Learn more about our legislative priorities and how you can help.
1.) Reduce Bias, Sexual Harassment and Assault: SWAN believes that our troops deserve to serve in a military without fear of rape, sexual harassment or sexual assault, and without fear of retaliation for reporting. SWAN supports passing the Military Justice Improvement Act that would remove Commanders from making decisions in felony cases.
2.) Combat Integration: SWAN believes that the most effective military is one where women are integrated into all occupations without structural barriers. SWAN advocates for one single physical fitness standard for men and women, and for occupational standards that are task-oriented and gender-neutral. Additionally, SWAN believes the United States Marine Corps must be held accountable for integrating women into all levels of training at boot camp.
3.) Reproductive Health Care for service women and women veterans: SWAN believes that service women and women veterans deserve nothing less than the best health care available in every respect, including access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care.
4.) Culturally-Ingrained Sexism: SWAN believes that to successfully achieve its missions, the VA must ensure women receive the full spectrum of quality health care and maintain a disability and pension system that is fair and designed to serve the needs of all veterans, regardless of gender. Military and Veterans Affairs facilities must be welcoming of all servicemembers and free of discrimination.
5.) Selective Service: SWAN believes that men and women should have the exact same citizen rights and obligations. If the US requires men to register for selective service then women should also be required to register.