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Study on long-term effects of exposure to toxic substances on reproductive health and fertility

Division A · Title VII: Health Care Provisions · Subtitle C: Studies, Reports, and Other Matters

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The Department of Defense will carry out a long-term study to examine how exposure to toxic substances affects the reproductive health and fertility of service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. The study will look at factors such as exposure risks, effects on fertility and children’s health, and differences across career fields, with input from military medical experts and researchers. Reports with findings and recommendations will be submitted to Congress within one year and again after three years.

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Section Text · Sec. 780.
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(a) Study

The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive, longitudinal study to assess the long-term effects of exposure to toxic substances on the reproductive health and fertility of members of the covered Armed Forces.

(b) Elements

The study under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1)

The relationship between service in the covered Armed Forces and exposure to toxic substances.

(2)

The resultant effect of exposure to toxic substances on the reproductive health and fertility of covered members of the Armed Forces.

(3)

Whether certain career fields in the covered Armed Forces have a higher chance of damaging fertility.

(4)

The effects of exposure to toxic substances and other mechanism on the health of children of such members.

(5)

The effects of exposure to toxic substances and other mechanisms on the sex of the children of such members.

(6)

The rates of infertility and reduced fertility among such members.

(7)

The rates of congenital disabilities and birth defects in the children of such members.

(c) Consultation

In conducting the study subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with—

(1)

the Surgeons General of the covered Armed Forces;

(2)

the Director of the Defense Health Agency; and

(3)

relevant academic institutions and federally funded research and development centers with expertise in fertility and reproductive health.

(d) Report

(1) Initial report

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an interim report on the study under subsection (a), including any preliminary findings and recommendations.

(2) Final report

Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the study under subsection (a), including the following:

(A)

Findings.

(B)

Identification of the categories of toxic substances most commonly associated with reproductive harm among members of the covered Armed Forces.

(C)

A description of current research programs within the Department of Defense examining the relationship between such exposures and reproductive health.

(D)

An evaluation of the extent to which members of the covered Armed Forces have access to fertility preservation services, assisted reproductive technology, and fertility services, and any gaps in access to such services, including with respect to members of the reserve components.

(E)

Recommendations regarding—

(i)

improvements to screening and monitoring protocols for reproductive health outcomes related to toxic exposure;

(ii)

expanded access to reproductive health services and fertility treatments for members of the covered Armed Forces affected by toxic exposure; and

(iii)

legislative or regulatory actions to address reproductive health effects of such exposure.

(e) Definitions

In this section:

(1)

The term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

(2)

The term toxic substances means any substance known to the Department of Defense to be toxic, hazardous, or otherwise cause negative health outcomes.