New Legislation Seeks Justice For Women Wrongfully Discharged From Military

woman in army camouflage saluting with flag in the background.

Women wrongfully discharged from the military due to pregnancy between 1951 and 1976 may soon receive restitution under a newly proposed bill.

At a Glance

The WISER Act aims to provide $25,000 lump-sum payments to affected women
Eligible individuals would gain access to VA healthcare services
The bill addresses discriminatory policies enabled by Executive Order 10240
Multiple veterans’ organizations support this initiative

WISER Act: Addressing Past Injustices

Congresswoman Julia Brownley has introduced the Women Involuntary Separated Earnings Remittance (WISER) Act, a bill designed to provide restitution to women who were wrongfully discharged from the U.S. military due to pregnancy between 1951 and 1976. This legislation aims to rectify a longstanding injustice that affected countless women who served their country during a critical period in American history.

The WISER Act specifically targets the discriminatory policies that were enabled by Executive Order 10240, signed by President Truman, which sanctioned the discharge of pregnant women from military service. This order, reflecting the societal norms of its time, resulted in many women being forced to choose between their military careers and starting families.

Compensation and Healthcare Access

Under the proposed legislation, eligible individuals would receive a $25,000 lump-sum payment as compensation for their involuntary separation from military service. This financial restitution acknowledges the economic impact that premature discharge may have had on these women’s lives and careers.

In addition to the monetary compensation, the WISER Act would grant affected women access to VA healthcare services. This provision recognizes that the consequences of their discharge may have extended beyond financial considerations, potentially affecting their long-term health and well-being.

Support from Veterans’ Organizations

The WISER Act has garnered support from multiple veterans’ organizations, underscoring the widespread recognition of the need to address this historical injustice. These groups understand the significance of acknowledging the service and sacrifices of women who were unfairly treated due to outdated and discriminatory policies.

While the WISER Act focuses on a specific group of veterans, it reflects a broader trend in recent years to provide compensation for individuals who have been wrongfully treated by government institutions. For instance, in the District of Columbia, the Unjust Conviction and Imprisonment Compensation Amendment Act of 2017 allows individuals wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for felonies to claim damages.

Broader Context of Compensation for Injustice

The WISER Act’s approach to compensation bears similarities to other restitution programs across the country. For example, in Missouri, legislation has been proposed to provide compensation for individuals wrongfully convicted of felonies. This includes payments of $179 per day of imprisonment, up to $65,000 per fiscal year, and a minimum of $25,000 for each additional year on parole, post-release supervision, or required sexual offender registration.

These compensation programs often include non-monetary relief as well. In Missouri’s case, this includes housing assistance, counseling, and tuition assistance. Similarly, the WISER Act’s provision of VA healthcare access reflects an understanding that the impacts of wrongful discharge extend beyond financial considerations.

Looking Forward

The introduction of the WISER Act represents a significant step towards acknowledging and rectifying past gender-related injustices within the military. By providing both financial compensation and access to healthcare services, the bill seeks to address the multifaceted impacts of the discriminatory policies that were in place for over two decades.

As this legislation moves through the congressional process, it will likely spark important discussions about how our society addresses historical wrongs and supports those who have served their country, regardless of gender. The WISER Act stands as a testament to the ongoing effort to ensure that all veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve for their service and sacrifices.