Has anyone requested to be induced early?

I know this is a long shot but I'm due soon and my husband might not be able to make the birth because he's deploying. We found out last minute and I was wondering if anyone has asked to be induced early due to special circumstances and if their doctors did so for them at 37 or 38 weeks. I'm debating on whether to ask my doctors but I don't want to be let down. Just wondering if it's even worth it to ask at this point or just hope for the best.