Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology

The Health Care of Women in Military Settings

Date Entered: 05/14/97
Category: SSIC 05000 General Admin & Management
Number: MCO 5000.12D W/CH 1-2 & ERRATUM
Subj: MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY AND PARENTHOOD

%F TITLE;MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY AND PARENTHOOD
%F DESIG;MCO 5000.12D W/CH 1, 2, AND ERRATUM

HQMC
21 Feb 96


E R R A T U M
TO
MCO 5000.12D
MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY
AND PARENTHOOD

1. This erratum is issued to include enclosure (1) with the basic order.




PCN 10207020880



DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON, DC 20380-1775
MCO 5000.12D
MPP-55
4 Oct 95


MARINE CORPS ORDER 5000.12D W/CH 1, 2, AND ERRATUM

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: Distribution List

Subj: MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY AND PARENTHOOD

Ref: (a) SECNAVINST 1000.10
(b) MCO P1700.24A
(c) BUMEDINST 6320.1D
(d) MCO P1900.16D
(e) OPNAVINST 3710.7P
(f) MCO 1740.13A
(g) MCO P1080.40
(h) MCO P1300.8R
(i) MCO 1001.45F
(j) MCO P1040.31G
(k) MCO P1040R.35B
(l) MCO P1050.3G
(m) MCO p1020.34F

Encl: (1) Format for Notification of Commanding Officer

1. Purpose. To establish Marine Corps policy and procedures
concerning the retention, assignment, and separation of pregnant
Marines and the requirement to support all Marines making deci-
sions which balance both their commitment to the Marine Corps
and their parental responsibilities.

2. Cancellation. MCO 5000.12C.

3. Background

a. Reference (a) provides the first DON policy for all
military personnel, both Active Component and Reserve, except
midshipmen, on pregnancy and issues related to pregnant service-
members. It builds positively on existing programs while
maintaining operational readiness.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release;
distribution is unlimited.



MCO 5000.12D
4 Oct 95


b. DON policy is that pregnancy is a natural event that
can occur in the lives of Marines and Sailors, and is not a
presumption of medical incapacity. Pregnancy and parenthood are
compatible with a naval service career. However, there are
responsibilities that come with parenthood, and for those in
uniform, these responsibilities require even more careful
consideration and planning due to military commitments. Marines
are expected to balance the demands of a service career with
their family responsibilities.

c. Pregnancy could affect a command's operational readiness
by temporarily limiting a Marine's ability and availability to
perform all assigned tasks. Therefore, pregnancy requires the
establishment of policy and procedures to ensure the health and
welfare, appropriate counseling, and administrative support of
pregnant Marines. All Marines will be educated on family
responsibilities and afforded ample opportunity to explore the
broad range of medical, legal, financial, and emotional
obligations parenthood entails.

d. Reference (a) also establishes a requirement for the
collection of objective data and analysis of information for use
in guiding the evaluation of future pregnancy policy decisions.

4. Policy

a. The health care needs of pregnant Marines and Sailors
serving with the Marine Corps will be met in a manner to accom-
modate their welfare and career needs to the greatest extent
possible, consistent with the demands of service.

b. Per reference (b), appropriate family life education and
counseling will be made available at Family Service Centers
(FSC) throughout the Marine Corps to assist those who seek it in
planning for and carrying out the responsibilities of
parenthood.

c. A Marine who suspects she is pregnant is responsible for
promptly confirming her pregnancy through testing by an appro-
priate medical provider and informing her commanding officer
within 30 days of confirmation.



2



d. A Marine reassigned due to pregnancy will be returned to
the same billet, whenever possible, in the same command, or to
an equivalent billet in a command of the same type duty,
following the pregnancy and any related convalescent leave and
period of deferment. PCS or TAD orders for school or special
duty (recruiting, DI, etc.) that were cancelled due to pregnancy
will be reissued following the pregnancy and any related
convalescent leave if the Marine otherwise remains qualified and
assignment requirement still exists or school seat is available.
Competitive selection boards will reconsider the Marine during
the next scheduled session. Applications, as required, must be
resubmitted by the Marine per applicable MCO's.

e. A pregnant active duty Marine with no dependents may
reside in bachelor quarters for her full term. Upon her request
and consistent with the needs of the Marine Corps, the host
commander may authorize a pregnant Marine to occupy off-base
housing and be paid BAQ and VHA (if applicable at the "without
dependents" rate) prior to her 20th week of pregnancy. However,
from the 20th week forward, the host commander will approve such
a request without option. All approvals for allowances will be
filed on the document side of the Marine's SRB/OQR.

f. Per reference (a), active duty Marines and Sailors
assigned to imminently deploying units or positions (defined as
scheduled to deploy within 3 months) will be given priority over
other active duty personnel receiving routine OB/GYN care in all
DON medical facilities.

g. Active duty Marines may obtain OB/GYN care at civilian
hospitals in limited circumstances per reference (c). This is
not a routine option, and Marines should be familiar with the
specific procedures for seeking civilian care so as not to end
up with significant financial liability for which there is no
reimbursement. Reservists are not eligible for this care unless
they are serving on active duty for 31 consecutive days or
longer.

h. Medical limitations and/or assignment restrictions, or
periods of absence because of pregnancy or associated medical
care, will not be the basis for lower proficiency and conduct
marks, lower marks or adverse fitness reports.


3



i. A pregnant Marine may request separation from active
duty or the SMCR per reference (d). Requests will not normally
be approved unless the Marine demonstrates extenuating
circumstances, or it is otherwise considered to be in the best
interests of the Marine Corps.

j. Marines may not be involuntarily separated on the basis
of pregnancy or on prediction of future performance after the
birth of a child. However, pregnancy does not bar processing
for separation for other reasons under the appropriate paragraph
of reference (d). For example, a pregnant Marine who is being
processed for separation based on misconduct or commission of a
serious offense may still be separated on the latter basis.

k. Marines will be afforded the opportunity to take advan-
tage of available legal assistance for advice regarding their
options in establishing paternity or seeking child support.

l. Pregnant Marines will not participate in contingency
operations nor will they deploy for operations aboard naval
vessels. Pregnant Marines may participate in local disaster
relief operations if medically authorized.

m. Flight personnel are grounded during pregnancy per
reference (e) unless a medical clearance to continue flight
status is granted by the CMC (ASM). Per reference (e), waivers
may be granted for aircraft other than single-piloted aircraft,
ejection seat aircraft, high performance aircraft that will
operate in excess of two G's, and aircraft involved in shipboard
operations. Participation in aviation physiology, aviation
water survival, or other survival training programs is not
permitted.

5. Education of Marines

a. The decisions surrounding parenthood and family matters
can best be made in an environment of concerned leadership.
Military responsibilities require command attention to help
Marines fulfill their sense of duty to their units and also meet
family responsibilities.

b. The Marine Corps will provide education on the
responsibilities of parenthood and the policies contained in this


4



Order to all Marines initially upon entry into the Marine Corps
and then repeatedly throughout a Marine's service in the Corps.

c. Information concerning the many issues, demands, and
responsibilities of pregnancy and parenthood will be made
readily available and widely disseminated via FSC's, medical
treatment facilities, chapel programs, legal assistance offices,
and child development programs.

d. Staff at the FSC and chaplains are available to provide
counseling in preparation for pregnancy and parenthood, as well
as ongoing support and counseling for families to help them meet
the requirements of the workplace and home. Services such as
the New Parent Support Program, marriage preparation workshops,
and personal financial management classes are available.
Participation in these and similar programs should be highly
encouraged for all Marines facing these challenges.

e. A Marine, Active Component or Reserve, who becomes a
single parent or who is part of a dual military couple and
becomes a parent, must complete a Family Care Plan per reference
(f).

6. Reporting Requirements

a. A Marine whose pregnancy is confirmed will be reported
into the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) per reference
(g). Duty limitations for a pregnant Marine will be reported
as DU LIMIT PREGNANCY (limitation code "N") for the period of
pregnancy, and DU LIMIT MEDICALLY NONDEPLOYABLE (limitation code
"D") for the convalescent period following pregnancy. Medical
certification will be the source document for all diary entries
related to pregnancy.

b. A Marine joined to a Status of Resources and Training
System (SORTS) reporting unit and whose pregnancy is confirmed
will be reported into SORTS as nondeployable per reference (h).
She will remain in a full duty status until a medical officer
certifies that full duty is medically inadvisable.

7. Notification Procedures. All pregnant Marines, regardless
of component/grade (except IRR and Standby Reserve Marines), will


5



notify their commanding officers/Commanding General, Marine
Corps Reserve Support Command (the latter by Individual
Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) personnel only) in writing within
30 days of medical certification of pregnancy. The notification
will be formatted per the enclosure and include:

a. A medical certificate of pregnancy, to include the esti-
mated date of delivery and a determination as to whether any
medical reasons exist which make remaining in a full-duty status
or in the Marine Corps Reserve inadvisable. For purposes of
this Order, certification of pregnancy by a civilian physician
is acceptable in the case of an SMCR Marine not on EAD.

b. A statement acknowledging the requirement to make
arrangements for child care during regular working hours, duty,
exercises, war or combat contingency deployment, etc., in the
case of Marines on active duty, and child care arrangements
during periods of active duty/inactive duty for training (ADT/
IDT) and upon mobilization in the case of SMCR Marines. Single
Marines and dual service couples who have dependents must
develop a Family Care Plan per reference (f).

c. A statement by a Marine in the Active Component, Active
Reserve (AR), or a Reserve Marine serving on EAD that she under-
stands she remains otherwise eligible for reenlistment and will
serve on active duty until the expiration of her active service
obligation. An SMCR Marine will provide a statement that she
will remain in the SMCR.

d. A statement that she understands she may request separa-
tion and remain eligible for maternity care until the birth of
the child per reference (d). (Applicable to Active Component/AR
Marines only.) If the Marine feels that extenuating circum-
stances exist which preclude further service, the notification
should include a request for separation per paragraph 10 of this
Order, but may be submitted after the initial notification.
(Applicable to Active Component, AR, and Reserve Marines serving
on EAD only.) In the case of the SMCR, when retention is deemed
medically inadvisable, transfer to the IRR to satisfy the term
of service for which the Marine is obligated is authorized.



6



e. A statement that she understands that she is available
for worldwide assignment and that there is no guarantee of
special consideration in duty assignments or duty stations based
solely on her pregnancy or the fact that she will have a depen-
dent, except as provided for in this Order. This statement is
not applicable to a pregnant SMCR Marine.

f. A statement that she is aware of the limitations of
eligibility for dependent housing and shipment of household
goods (applies to Active Component, AR, and Reserve Marines
serving on EAD as E-4's and below only).

g. A statement that the Marine will advise the command of
any unexpected changes in her medical status and will return to
full duty as soon as medically authorized.

h. A statement that the Marine understands that she must be
prepared to pass the Marine Corps PFT and conform to acceptable
weight standards no later than 6 months following return to full
duty by a medical officer. Include a statement that the Marine
will commence physical training as soon as medically authorized.

i. A copy of the notification letter will be retained in
the Marine's SRB/OQR until after the birth of the child.

8. Extension of Active Duty/Reenlistment

a. Per reference (i), pregnant Reserve officers may apply
for extensions of up to 1 year on their current period of
obligated service.

b. Enlisted Marines, including AR Marines, who are pregnant
may reenlist/extend provided they are otherwise qualified per
references (j) or (k) and have complied with paragraph 7 of this
Order.

9. Assignment/Deployability Limitations of Pregnant Marines

a. Pregnant Marines will not be ordered to a dependents-
restricted tour. Reference (h) provides a 4 month deferment for
female Marines, after the birth of a child, from deployment/
assignment to a dependents-restricted tour and affords that same


7



opportunity for a single parent, or one parent of a dual service
couple in the case of adoption. This deferment may be waived by
the Marine.

b. Pregnant Marines stationed in CONUS and Hawaii will not
be detached after their 6th month of pregnancy. Specific
instructions relating to PCS orders modifications/cancellations
will be obtained from the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RA, as appropriate).

c. Pregnant Marines serving overseas may be detached at
their normal rotation tour date (RTD), even when that date
occurs after the 6th month of pregnancy, if medical
certification authorizing travel is obtained. Where apparent
that the overseas tour of a pregnant Marine will be
involuntarily extended because of her condition (e.g., delivery
date approximates RTD), the CMC (MMEA/MMOA as appropriate) may
authorize early termination of her tour. The CMC (MMEA/MMOA)
will normally not approve early termination of an overseas restricted
tour because of pregnancy where the Marine has completed less
than 9 months of her tour unless directed by competent medical
authority.

d. A Marine on an unaccompanied tour overseas, at a
location which does not have adequate medical facilities or
dependent housing, whose pregnancy is discovered once overseas
or becomes pregnant during her tour, will be reassigned per
reference (h) as soon as possible to another location which can
provide adequate medical facilities and dependent housing. The
new location may be another overseas location in order to
receive credit for an overseas tour. A Marine has no actual
entitlement to dependent housing until she actually has a
dependent and only then if the CMC (MM) converts it to an
accompanied tour per reference (h).

e. A Marine or Sailor assigned to a deployed Marine unit
who is confirmed as being pregnant during deployment aboard ship
will, at first opportunity, be sent TAD to the closest U.S.
military facility that can provide OB/GYN care and returned to
her unit's home base at the earliest opportunity via a medically
authorized mode of transportation.

f. Pregnant Marines may deploy, in conjunction with advice
from their medical care provider, when the mode of transportation
does not involve transport aboard naval vessels and the deploy-



8



ment is other than a contingency operation (i.e., training
deployments to Twentynine Palms, Unit Deployment Program to
Okinawa/Iwakuni, etc.).

g. Pregnant Marines may not board or embark upon naval
vessels, even when the naval vessel is tied to a pier, after the
Marine's 20th week of pregnancy. Prior to her 20th week of
pregnancy, a Marine assigned to a naval vessel may remain aboard
when underway in limited circumstances at the discretion of the
commanding officer of the ship. This is not designed to permit
pregnant Marines to routinely operate at sea, but rather to
provide commanding officers flexibility during short underway
periods such as changes in ship's berth, ammo/stores/training
anchorages, transits to and from local shipyards, etc., without
being forced to transfer pregnant Marines from the ship.
Pregnant Marines may get underway within these established
limitations only when actually assigned to a ship as part of
ship's company.

h. Per reference (e) pregnant flight personnel shall
consult with their flight surgeon when they first suspect they
are pregnant. Flight personnel are grounded during pregnancy
unless a medical clearance to continue flight status is granted
by the CMC (ASM).

(1) Request for flight or training waivers shall be
originated by the pregnant Marine and forwarded to the CMC (ASM)
via the appropriate chain of command and NAVAEROSPMEDINST (Code
42). The request shall be accompanied by a report from a local
board of flight surgeons per the Manual of the Medical
Department (MANMED).

(2) A local board of flight surgeons is able to issue an
Aeromedical Clearance Notice (BUMED 6410/2) following their
recommendation for waiver. This clearance notice is valid
during the waiver review process until the waiver request is
granted or denied by the CMC (ASM). Waiver requests are
considered inappropriate for single-piloted aircraft, ejection
seat aircraft, high performance aircraft that will operate in
excess of two G's, and aircraft involved in shipboard operations.

(3) Following pregnancy and recovery, an Aeromedical
Clearance Notice shall be issued prior to resumption of flight
duties.

(4) Pregnancy of an air traffic controller is not consi-
dered physically disqualifying in itself. Duty modifications
during pregnancy are expected and should be managed locally to
accommodate local circumstances and the individual Marine's
medical requirements.

i. A pregnant Reserve Marine will not be allowed to perform
any periods of IDT or active duty (with or without pay) within
30 days of her anticipated date of delivery. The unit commander
will excuse the Marine from attending IDT periods or annual
training within this 30 day time period. Commanders will ensure
that a pregnant Reserve Marine previously assigned to active
duty (other than EAD) will be released 30 days prior to her
estimated date of delivery. Documentation verifying the


9



estimated date of delivery must be provided by competent medical
authority prior to the issuance of orders and that no
complications have arisen since the onset of the pregnancy.

j. A female reservist will not be required to perform
active duty for 4 months (applies to those Marines not on EAD)
or IDT for 6 weeks after giving birth. This policy is also
applicable to single female parents and one parent of a dual
service couple in the case of adoption. The 4 month/6 week
period (as applicable) for adoptions starts after the actual
effective date of the adoption of a child. The reservist may
waive any part of the deferment period. If the deferment is not
waived and the unit performs Annual Training (AT), the reservist
will attend an alternate AT.

10. Separation of Pregnant Marines

a. Upon medical certification of pregnancy, a Marine may
request separation by submitting an Administrative Action Form
to the appropriate separation authority as defined by reference
(d). A request for separation will normally be denied per
reference (d) unless there are extenuating circumstances which
the Marine can substantiate by demonstrating overriding or
compelling factors of personal need or that extraordinary
circumstances of a humanitarian nature exist. The following
guidance applies:

(1) Marines may not be separated on the basis of preg-
nancy alone nor on predictions of future performance of the
Marine after birth of the child. References (d) and (f) provide
for separations for the Convenience of the Government by reason
of Parenthood or by reason of Dependency or Hardship should a
Marine become unable to fulfill military obligations or become
nonavailable for worldwide assignment.

(2) A pregnant Marine may be separated on the basis of
pregnancy if a medical officer certifies that continuation on
active duty jeopardizes the mental/physical health of the Marine
or the healthy development of the unborn child. In other words,
conditions have arisen, or have been aggravated to an excessive
degree since entry into the Marine Corps, and separation will
eliminate or materially alleviate the threat to the health and
welfare of the Marine or unborn child. A Marine may be
separated if there are no other means of alleviation reasonably
available.

(3) Separation will not be authorized solely for
personal convenience.

b. Requests for separation by reason of pregnancy will
include a medical officer's certification of pregnancy. An


10



Active Component, AR, or Reserve Marine on EAD will provide a
statement of understanding that the Marine acknowledges that she
remains eligible for maternity care following her release from
active duty/discharge only per reference (d).

c. Any such separation for pregnancy must be effected no
later than 4 weeks prior to the estimated date of delivery;
however, an earlier separation date may be requested. All such
requests must include specific justification for separation, per
reference (d).

d. Commanding officers will forward the Marine's request for
separation to the separating authority with a recommendation for
separation or retention on active duty.

e. An officer's request for resignation/release from active
duty will comply with references (d) and (i).

f. To prevent the loss of potential mobilization assets, the
separation authority will screen Marines being separated for
pregnancy for transfer to the IRR vice discharge per reference
(d).

g. A pregnant Reserve Marine serving in the SMCR without a
drilling obligation may transfer to the IRR at her own request.
A pregnant Reserve Marine with a mandatory drilling obligation
must submit a request to transfer to the IRR via the appropriate
chain of command to the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve/
Commanding General, Marine Corps Reserve Support Command (for IMA
personnel), as applicable. An SMCR Marine (either obligor or
nonobligor) and a member of the IRR who desires a discharge must
submit a written request to the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve
or Commanding General, Marine Corps Reserve Support Command (for
IMA personnel), as appropriate.

11. Action

a. Commanding Officers

(1) Will provide appropriate training as part of their
units' orientation and annual troop information programs to
ensure that Marines are aware of the contents of this Order and
the broad range of medical, legal, financial, chaplain, and
other services available to assist and encourage all Marines in
making family life decisions that are supportive of both service
obligations and their parental responsibilities.



11



(2) Will thoroughly counsel each pregnant Marine on the
contents of this Order. A Marine who will become a single
parent and Marines who are members of a dual military couple
residing in a joint household will also be counseled regarding
the availability of government housing (especially in high
cost areas).

(3) Will ensure that appropriate unit diary and SORTS
entries are run per paragraph 6 of this Order.

(4) May deploy pregnant Marines, in conjunction with
advice from the medical officer, per paragraph 9 of this Order.
These determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis and
will be dependent on the unit's mission, the Marine's billet,
available medical support, and medical authorization.

(5) Will ensure that a pregnant Marine is not required
to perform duties, including PT or standing in formations, that
in the opinion of the medical officer are hazardous to her or
her unborn child.

(6) Will ensure that a Marine returns to a normal duty
assignment commensurate with her grade, MOS, and the unit's
requirements as soon after delivery as the medical officer
certifies the Marine to be medically qualified for full duty.
This will normally occur directly after the 6 weeks medical
convalescence leave following the birth. A Marine needing
additional personal time after being medically certified fit for
duty may be granted annual leave per reference (l).

(7) May authorize up to 10 days permissive TAD for a
married male Marine when his spouse gives birth dependent on the
unit's mission, specific operational circumstances, and the
Marine's billet. This authorization may be excepted for unmarried
male Marines in circumstances such as, but not necessarily limited
to, when the unmarried male Marine has sole-custody of the baby.
This authorization for up to 10 days of permissive TAD commences
the day of the child's birth and ends 25 days after the child's
birth. If appropriate medical facilities are not available for
delivery, then permissive TAD up to 10 days may be authorized for
the male Marine to accompany his spouse prior to and immediately
following delivery.

(8) May authorize up to 10 days permissive TAD for
any Marines(s) adopting a child, dependent on the unit's mission,
specific operational circumstances, and the Marine's(s) billet(s).
This authorization extends to both members in a dual military
status. Permissive TAD period should commence when the child is
ready for placement to assist the parent(s) in relocating the
adoptive child, formalizing legal requirements, establishing a child
care program, and other tasks as required.

(9) May authorize a Marine to wear the maternity
uniform for up to 30 days following her return to duty.
Reference (m) prescribes regulations regarding the procurement
and wearing of the maternity uniform. May authorize a Marine


12



to wear the utility uniform in lieu of the maternity uniform
during early pregnancy and after return to duty when the uniform
of the day is normally service "C," "B," or Blue Dress "D."

(10) Will require that a Marine take the PFT and
conform to the acceptable weight standards no later than 6
months after being returned to full duty by the medical officer.
Additional time may be granted if necessary and recommended by
the medical officer due to unique medical circumstances. A
Marine should be encouraged to commence PT as soon as medically
authorized.

(11) Will ensure that a Marine whose pregnancy termi-
nates prematurely or results in a stillbirth provides a medical
officer's certification that she is fit for full duty. A
command climate of concerned leadership will be essential in
helping Marines impacted by these type of traumatic events. The
unique circumstances of each pregnancy dictate that the decision
on when a particular Marine is physically qualified to take the
PFT and may be reasonably expected to conform to weight
standards will be made on a case-by-case basis by a medical
officer's determination.

(12) Will ensure that Marines are afforded the opportu-
nity to take advantage of available legal assistance for advice
regarding their options in establishing paternity or child
support.

(13) Are encouraged to work closely with commanders of
DON medical facilities to encourage priority treatment for preg-
nant dependent spouses of imminently deploying male Marines
among other pregnant dependent spouses receiving routine OB/GYN
care.

b. CMC (M&RA)

(1) DC/S M&RA (MM) will track and report information
on the number and disposition of requests for separation for
pregnancy by FY to assist M&RA (MA) in studying the issues
surrounding pregnancy and M&RA (MP) in meeting the reporting
requirements per reference (a).

(2) DC/S M&RA (MP) has staff cognizance on this policy
and will coordinate the effort to meet the reporting
requirements to Assistant Secretary of the Navy (M&RA) per
reference (a).

(3) DC/S M&RA (MA) will coordinate the study and analy-
sis necessary to meet the reporting requirements in reference
(a) concerning service analyses on the effects of pregnancy and
other medical, administrative, and disciplinary factors on
deployability of Marines.


13



(4) DC/S M&RA (MH) will assess existing training and
take steps, in conjunction with the CG MCCDC and the CMC (REL),
to ensure that all Marines are informed about the contents of
this policy, are properly educated about the Marine Corps Core
Values and expectations regarding responsible behaviors, and are
made aware of the broad range of services available to assist
and encourage our Marines in making decisions that are
supportive of both service obligations and their parental
responsibilities at the following times:

(a) Entry level training;

(b) Professional Military Education (PME) courses;

(c) Annually in the Troop Information Program.

c. CMC (AVN) will ensure that procedures for managing
requests for flight waivers are disseminated throughout the
aviation community and remain in accordance with reference (e).

d. CMC (HS) will meet the reporting requirements of ref-
erence (a) by working with BUMED to:

(1) Assess the health care risks associated with
pregnancy and other types of medical conditions that may exist
for Marines and Sailors assigned to operational/deployable
commands and support commands with significant occupational
health considerations (e.g., ship and airplane construction/
repair facilities, high frequency communication gear, etc.).

(2) Assess the impact of the policy and actions
ensuring priority for routine OB/GYN care as set forth in
paragraph 4f of this Order.

(3) Assess the worldwide availability of and access to
appropriately staffed and equipped military OB/GYN medical
support. This assessment should include the possible impact of
mobilization and assignment of pregnant Reserve Marines to duty
stations within CONUS.

e. CMC (REL) will ensure that Marines and commanding
officers are supported by chaplains prepared to counsel Marines
and to provide commanding officers with additional training
support on the issues of faith, character, parental responsi-
bilities, personal decisions, and core values per reference (a).

f. CMC (JA) will coordinate to help ensure that appropriate
judge advocates provide legal assistance relating to Marines'
options in establishing paternity and obtaining child support.

g. CG MCCDC

(1) Ensure the policy contained in this Order and
classes on sexually responsible behavior are presented during
entry level training to both officer and enlisted Marines.

(2) Ensure the policy contained in this Order is
presented as part of the leadership training presented in all
PME courses.


14



(3) Ensure the policy contained in this Order and
classes on sexually responsible behavior are incorporated into
the annual requirement in the Troop Information Program.

12. Reserve Applicability. This Order is applicable to the
Marine Corps Reserve.



G. R. CHRISTMAS
Deputy Chief of Staff for
Manpower and Reserve Affairs

DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10207020800

Copy to: 7000110 (55)
70000027 (25)
7000093/8145005 (2)
7000099, 144/8145001 (1)






15






UNCLASSIFIED

R 111600Z JUL 96 ZYB
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC//M-RA//
TO ALMAR
BT
UNCLAS //N05000//
ALMAR 249/96
MSGID/GENADMIN /CMC/MPP//
SUBJ/MCO 5000.12D CH 1 THE MARINE CORPS POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR
/PREGNANT MARINES//
AMPN/THE REF IS MCO 5000.12D, THE MARINE CORPS POLICY AND PROCEDURES
FOR PREGNANT MARINES.//
RMKS/1. PARAGRAPH 11A(7) OF THE REF IS MODIFIED TO READ: MAY
AUTHORIZE UP TO 10 DAYS PERMISSIVE TAD FOR A MARRIED MALE MARINE
WHEN HIS SPOUSE GIVES BIRTH DEPENDENT ON THE UNIT'S MISSION,
SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THE MARINE'S BILLET.
THIS AUTHORIZATION FOR UP TO 10 DAYS OF PERMISSIVE TAD COMMENCES THE
DAY OF THE CHILD'S BIRTH AND ENDS 25 DAYS AFTER THE CHILD'S BIRTH.
IF APPROPRIATE MEDICAL FACILITIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY,
THEN PERMISSIVE TAD UP TO 10 DAYS MAY BE AUTHORIZED FOR THE MALE
MARINE TO ACCOMPANY HIS SPOUSE PRIOR TO AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
DELIVERY.
2. POC AT THIS HEADQUARTERS IS CAPT J. R. FLATTER, MPP-55, AT COML
(703) 614-3440 OR DSN 224-3440.//
BT


R 120800Z DEC 96 ZYB
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC//MP//
TO ALMAR
BT
UNCLAS //N05000//
ALMAR 436/96
MSGID/GENADMIN/MPP//
SUBJ/MCO 5000.12D CH 2, MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY AND
/PARENTHOOD//
REF/A/DOC/CMC951004//
AMPN/REF A IS MCO 5000.12D, MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY AND
PARENTHOOD//
RMKS/1. THIS CHANGE IS APPLICABLE TO MARINE CORPS ACTIVITIES ON PCN
102 07020800. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ALMAR IS TO DIRECT PEN CHANGES
TO MCO 5000.12D, MARINE CORPS POLICY ON PREGNANCY AND PRENTHOOD.
2. ACTION
A. ON PAGE 8, PARAGRAPH 9C, REPLACE THE LAST SENTENCE WITH THE
FOLLOWING: "THE CMC (MMEA/MMOA) WILL NORMALLY NOT APPROVE EARLY
TERMINATION OF AN OVERSEAS RESTRICTED TOUR BECAUSE OR PREGNANCY
WHERE THE MARINE HAS COMPLETED LESS THAN 9 MONTHS OF HER TOUR UNLESS
DIRECTED BY COMPETENT MEDICAL AUTHORITY."
B. ON PAGE 13, PARAGRAPH 11A(7), ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRST SENTENCE: "THIS AUTHORIZATION MAY BE
EXCEPTED FOR UNMARRIED MALE MARINES IN CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS, BUT NOT
NECESSARILY LIMITED TO, WHEN THE UNMARRIED MALE MARINE HAS
SOLE-CUSTODY OF THE BABY.
C. ON PAGE 13, PARAGRAPH 11A(8), REPLACE THE FIRST SENTENCE WITH
THE FOLLOWING: "MAY AUTHORIZE UP TO 10 DAYS PERMISSIVE TAD FOR ANY
MARINES(S) ADOPTING A CHILD, DEPENDENT ON THE UNIT'S MISSION,
SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THE MARINE'S(S) BILLET(S).
THIS AUTHORIZATION EXTENDS TO BOTH MEMBERS IN A DUAL MILITARY
STATUS."
3. POC AT THIS HEADQUATERS IS CAPT J. R. FLATTER, CMC, MPO-45, AT
COML (703) 614-3440 OR DSN 224-3440.






FORMAT FOR NOTIFICATION OF COMMANDING OFFICER


5000.12
Date



From: Marine's Grade, Full Name, SSN/PMOS, USMC(R)
To: Commanding Officer

Subj: NOTIFICATION OF CONFIRMATION OF PREGNANCY

Ref: (a) MCO 5000.12D
(b) MCO 1740.13A
(c) MCO P1900.16D

Encl: (1) Medical Certification of Pregnancy
(2) Separation Request (only if applicable)

1. I have been fully counseled and understand the contents of
reference (a) and provide the following information:

a. This is to notify the command of my pregnancy. A
medical certificate of pregnancy is provided as enclosure (1)
and includes the estimated date of delivery and whether any
medical reasons exist which make remaining in a full duty status
inadvisable.

b. I understand that I am responsible for making arrange-
ments for child care during regular working hours, duty,
exercises, war or combat contingency deployment, etc., and will
develop a Family Care Plan per reference (b). (Applies to
Active Component, AR, and Reserve Marines serving EAD only.) I
understand that I am responsible for making arrangements for
child care during periods of active duty/inactive duty for
training and upon mobilization and will develop a Family Care
Plan per reference (b). (Applies to SMCR Marines only.)

c. I understand that I remain otherwise eligible for
reenlistment and will serve on active duty until the expiration
of my active service obligation. (Applies to Active Component,
AR, and Reserve Marines serving EAD only.) An SMCR Marine will
indicate that she will remain in the SMCR.

d. I understand that I may request separation and remain
eligible for maternity care until the birth of my child per
reference (c). (Select only one of the following two
sentences.) If I feel that extenuating circumstances exist which
preclude my further service, I understand that I must request
for separation per paragraph 10 of reference (a). Since I feel
that extenuating circumstances exist which preclude my further
service, enclosure (2) is my request for separation per
paragraph 10 of reference (a).

e. I understand that I remain available for worldwide
assignment and that there is no guarantee of special consider-
ation in duty assignments or duty stations based solely on my
pregnancy or the fact that I will have a dependent, except as
provided for in reference (a).



ENCLOSURE (1)
1



f. I am aware of the limitations of eligibility for depen-
dent housing and shipment of household goods (applies to Active
Component, AR, and Reserve Marines serving on EAD as E-4's and
below).

2. I will advise the command of any unexpected changes in my
medical status and will return to full duty as soon as medically
authorized.

3. I understand that I must be prepared to pass the Marine
Corps Physical Fitness Test and conform to the acceptable weight
standards no later than 6 months following my return to full
duty. I will commence physical training as soon as medically
authorized.





(Signature)














ENCLOSURE (1)
2

Contents -  Introduction -  Medical Support of Women in Field Environments -  The Prisoner of War Experience -  Routine Care -  Pap Smears -  Human Papilloma Virus -  Contraception -  Birth Control Pills -  Vulvar Disease -  Vaginal Discharge -  Abnormal Bleeding -  Menstrual Problems -  Abdominal Pain -  Urination Problems -  Menopause -  Breast Problems -  Sexual Assault -  Normal Pregnancy -  Abnormal Pregnancy -  Normal Labor and Delivery -  Problems During Labor and Delivery -  Care of the Newborn

This web version of Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology is provided by The Brookside Associates.  It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMEDPUB 6300-2C, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense. All material in this version is unclassified.

This formatting C. 2006 Brookside Associates, LLC.
All rights reserved

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