Defense Department creates flexible days off for reproductive health care appointments.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has released three policies specific to the care of pregnant service members and their families. The first policy gives service members up to 20 weeks to notify the department of their pregnancy status, granting privacy for early health decisions. The second policy permits pregnant service members to request an administrative absence for health care appointments without being charged leave. The third provides transportation allowances to be granted to pregnant service members stationed in areas where the care they seek is far from their military post.
“Our Service members and their families do not control where they are stationed, and due to the nature of military service, are frequently required to travel or move to meet operational requirements,” the Defense Department stated. “The efforts taken by the Department today will not only ensure that Service members and their families are afforded time and flexibility to make private health care decisions, but will also ensure Service members are able to access non-covered reproductive health care regardless of where they are stationed.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin to seek God’s guidance as he leads the Defense Department.
- For pregnant servicewomen to value to life that they are bearing and get the assistance they need.
- For Pentagon officials and military leadership as they provide support for servicewomen who are becoming mothers.
Sources: Department of Defense
