Gold Dragon
Well-Known Member
"Britain, Canada and the U.S. Navy do not put women on submarines primarily because of these irresolvable health risks and operational complications."
Elaine Donnelly
President, Center for Military Readiness
Livonia, Mich
Elaine is correct about Britain but incorrect about Canada.
Royal Navy UK FAQ
Q. Why are women not permitted to serve on submarines?
Service in submarines is closed to women because of medical concerns for the safety of the foetus and hence its mother. This restriction is purely medical and does not relate to combat effectiveness. The potential risks to the foetus do not arise from hazardous radiation, but from contaminants in the submarine's atmosphere.
The Institute of Naval Medicine (INM) reviewed the exclusion in 1999, as did subsequently both the Defence Scientific Advisory Council and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Their outcomes supported the conclusions of the INM report, that the exclusion was justified.
Women in the Forces - Canadian Forces
2000 The Chief of the Maritime Staff announces that women can serve in submarines.