Marine Corps Maternity and Convalescent Leave Policy Update

1.  Purpose.  To announce forthcoming changes to references (a) and (b) as authorized and directed by the Secretary of Defense in reference (c) and implemented by reference (d).
2.  In accordance with reference (c), the standard convalescent period for Marines giving birth and retaining custody of the child is 12 weeks.  This maternity leave will only be used in one block of time immediately following the birth event or release of the Marine from the hospital, whichever is later.
3.  Marines who are pregnant or experience a birth event on or before 3 March 2016 remain entitled to a total of 18 weeks of convalescent leave and Additional Maternity Leave (AML) as described in reference (e).  Marines who become pregnant after 3 March 2016 are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave consistent with DoD policy described in paragraph 2.
4.  To determine the date of pregnancy, DON will use the estimated date of conception as determined by a privileged health care provider, which will establish a Marine's eligibility for either a total of 18 weeks of combined convalescent leave and AML or 12 weeks of maternity leave.  Waivers will not be considered.  Examples are:
    a.  A Marine who became pregnant on or before 3 March 2016 as determined by her privileged health care provider is eligible for a total of 18 weeks of convalescent leave and AML consistent with reference (e), regardless of the actual date of birth.
    b.  A Marine who became pregnant on or after 4 March 2016 as determined by her privileged health care provider is eligible for 12 weeks maternity leave, regardless of the actual date of birth.
5.  Amplifying information.
    a.  Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.) resulting from a single pregnancy do not increase the amount of maternity leave.
    b.  Requests for Special Leave Accrual will not be approved if the sole justification is the inability to reduce a leave balance because of maternity leave.
    c. This policy applies to active component Marines and reserve component Marines on active duty orders for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
6.  No member shall be disadvantaged in her career, including limitations in her assignments (except in the case where she voluntarily agrees to accept an assignment limitation), performance appraisals, or selection for professional military education or training, solely because she has taken maternity leave.
7.  Adoption leave and parental (paternity) leave policies remain unchanged and will continue to be administered in accordance with references (a) and (f).
8.  Any questions regarding maternity leave should be directed to HQMC DC M&RA MP DIV MPO at the phone numbers listed above.
9.  Release authorized by LtGen M. A. Brilakis, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.