Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Support Service Members with Traction Alopecia
Today, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reintroduced the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act, legislation that would support and expand medical coverage of traction alopecia in the military.
In order to maintain a professional appearance and to adhere to military grooming standards, many servicewomen use tight hairstyles and chemical hair products that contribute to permanent damage to the hair and scalp. The use of military headgear can also exacerbate and/or cause permanent damage.
The Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act would amend U.S. Code 1074 C to add traction alopecia and wigs as a covered medical treatment under TRICARE, the uniformed services health care program for active duty service members. It would also direct the Secretary of Defense to create regulations and training materials warning of the risk of traction alopecia.
“I am grateful to our service members who regularly put their lives on the line to defend the country they love,” said Watson Coleman. “When their service causes them harm, as in the case of scalp damage, we have a duty to help make them whole and warn them of the risks.”
“Millions of women servicemembers risk their lives every day to protect and defend our nation, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said McClellan. “Yet current military appearance standards fail to account for the unique challenges women face in meeting compliance. Black women in particular often go out of their way to meet these standards, many of which remain incompatible with their natural hair. I’m joining Rep. Watson Coleman to introduce the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act to raise awareness of traction alopecia and ensure that our servicewomen are no longer forced to choose between meeting grooming standards and protecting their health.”
“Our servicemen and women make many personal sacrifices in defense of our nation—permanent hair damage and scalp health should not have to be one of them,” said Rep. Pressley. “Women, and Black women in particular, experience traction alopecia and hair loss due to the tight hairstyles and dangerous chemical products needed to meet military grooming standards. I’m proud to join Reps. Watson Coleman and McClellan in leading legislation that will support coverage for those suffering from traction alopecia and allow millions of servicewomen to protect their natural hair and promote scalp health.”
Text of the bill can be found here.