R 272350Z FEB 23
MARADMIN 111/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/UPDATE TO PREGNANCY NOTIFICATION//
REF/A/MSGID: MEMO/OUSD-PR WASHINGTON DC/16FEB2023//
REF/B/MSGID: MSG/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/27FEB2023//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC MPO/13APR2020//
REF/D/MSGID: DOC/DON WASHINGTON DC/MAY2019//
REF/E/MSGID: DOC/OSD WASHINGTON DC/13JUL2022//
REF/F/MSGID: DOC/OSD WASHINGTON DC/27APR2021//
REF/G/MSGID: DOC/DON WASHINGTON DC/2MAY2016//
REF/H/MSGID: DOC/DON WASHINGTON DC/28JUL2016//
AMPN/ REF A IS UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READINESS DIRECTIVE-TYPE MEMORANDUM, COMMAND NOTIFICATION OF PREGNANCY. REF B IS ALNAV 017/23, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PREGNANCY NOTIFICATION POLICY. REF C IS MCO 5000.12F CH-1, MARINE CORPS POLICY CONCERNING PARENTHOOD AND PREGNANCY. REF D IS TM-6260.01D, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS TECHNICAL MANUAL ON REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL HAZARDS: A GUIDE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS. REF E IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION 6025.19, INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL READINESS. REF F IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION 1332.45, RETENTION DETERMINATIONS FOR NON-DEPLOYABLE SERVICE MEMBERS. REF G IS CHIEF OF NAVAL AIR FORCES MANUAL 3710.7, NATOPS GENERAL FLIGHT AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL. REF H IS BUMEDINST 6200.15A, SUSPENSION OF DIVING DUTY DURING PREGNANCY//
POC/MPO/EMAIL: MPO@USMC.MIL/TEL: (703)784-9360//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. As directed by the Secretary of Defense, this MARADMIN announces changes to the command notification procedures for pregnancy as directed in references (a) and (b). It also modifies previous policy concerning pregnancy notification and provides implementing guidance until these changes are incorporated into Marine Corps policy in reference (c).
2. Effective immediately and to provide Marines with privacy protections in the early months of pregnancy, DoD Health Care Providers (HCPs) shall follow a presumption that they are not to disclose a Marine’s pregnancy status to the Marine’s command authorities prior to 20 weeks gestation unless this presumption is overcome by one of the notification standards listed in paragraph 4 below. In making a disclosure pursuant to the notification standards established below, DoD HCPs shall provide the minimum amount of information required to satisfy the purpose of the disclosure.
3. Procedures for Pregnancy Notification.
a. Confirmation of Pregnancy and Assessment of Duties. A Marine believing they are pregnant should confirm the pregnancy as soon as possible through testing and counseling by a DoD HCP, or through a licensed non-DoD HCP from whom the Marine is receiving care, to receive the benefits of prenatal care and occupational health counseling.
(1) A Marine who has confirmed their pregnancy, through a HCP listed above, and intends to carry the pregnancy to term must make every effort to meet with a DoD HCP at a military medical treatment facility (e.g., unit medical, Naval hospital), reserve medical unit, or with a TRICARE authorized provider, no later than 12 weeks gestation. The provider will assess whether the Marine’s duties could adversely impact their health or that of the fetus, or whether the pregnancy impacts the Marine’s ability to safely accomplish their mission in accordance with reference (d).
(2) A Marine intending to carry the pregnancy to term is encouraged to notify appropriate command authorities utilizing appendix (a) of reference (c) upon confirmation of pregnancy to support their health and ensure access to resources. This notification should include the HCP’s assessment of whether the pregnancy impacts the Marine’s ability to safely accomplish their mission, the potential impact of their duties on their pregnancy, and any limitations recommended by the HCP. In consultation with pregnant Marines’ HCPs or based on the Marine’s HCP recommendation, COs/OIC shall determine work assignment modifications.
b. Delayed Notification to Commanders. A Marine who has confirmed their pregnancy and chooses to delay pregnancy notification to appropriate command authorities will notify the appropriate command authorities utilizing appendix (a) of reference (c) no later than 20 weeks gestation, unless notification must be made sooner in the circumstances detailed in paragraph 4 of this MARADMIN.
(1) When a Marine chooses to delay notification to command authorities, the DoD HCP will - after consultation with the Marine - immediately provide the pregnant Marine a light duty chit, with the requirement for medical temporary non-deployable status, without making any reference to the Marine’s pregnancy status for up to 20 weeks gestation. The Marine will provide this chit to their chain of command as soon as possible and the following administrative reporting will occur: Duty limitations (TTC 157) for a Marine will be reported as DU LIMIT MEDICAL (NON DEPLOY) (duty limitation code "D"). A Marine choosing to delay notification will be advised by their HCP that such delay could result in delayed access to resources related to pregnancy that may benefit the Marine (e.g., maternity uniforms).
(2) No later than 20 weeks gestation, the Marine will notify the command utilizing appendix (a) of reference (c) and have their non-deployable duty limitation switched to be specific to pregnancy in accordance with reference (c), enclosure (2), chapter 2, paragraph 4.
c. Guidance on Terminating Pregnancy. A Marine considering terminating the pregnancy is encouraged to consult with a DoD HCP or a licensed non-DoD HCP from whom the Marine is receiving care to make an informed decision and understand the reproductive health and other resources available. If desired, consultation with Military OneSource and/or command sponsored confidential resources are also available. The DoD HCP will provide the Marine considering pregnancy termination a light duty chit, with the requirement for medical temporary non-deployable status without reference to the Marine’s pregnancy status, until associated medical care and necessary recovery period are complete. The Marine will provide this chit to their chain of command as soon as possible and the following administrative reporting will occur: Duty limitations (TTC 157) for a Marine will be reported as DU LIMIT MEDICAL (NON DEPLOY) (duty limitation code "D") until associated medical care and necessary recovery period are complete.
d. Guidance for Remote Locations. Marines assigned to remote locations, away from a military installation, and who receive care from a licensed non-DoD HCP, are responsible for coordinating their individual medical readiness status with the nearest DoD HCP or reserve medical unit and their chain of command.
4. Special Circumstances Affecting Notification to a Commander.
a. Duties, Hazards, and Conditions. There are military duties, occupational health hazards, and medical conditions where the proper execution of the military mission outweighs the interests served by delaying commander notification. In these situations, the Marine will be placed on a medical temporary non-deployable status with limitations specific to pregnancy in accordance with reference (c), (e), and (f). These situations are:
(1) Special Personnel. The following personnel have been identified by the Department of the Navy as having mission responsibilities or being subject to occupational health hazards that would significantly risk mission accomplishment should notification to a commander of the Marine’s pregnancy be delayed.
(a) Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers and Aircrew assigned to duty involving flight operations (DIFOPS). These personnel shall adhere to the pregnancy regulations in reference (g).
(b) Marines assigned to diving duty must immediately report presumptive pregnancy to a diving medicine representative as outlined in reference (h).
(c) Marines assigned or selected to other special duty assignments requiring completion of a Special Duty Assignment physical exam must adhere to the regulations governing those programs (e.g., including but not limited to Recruiting, Drill Instructor, Embassy Security Guard).
(2) Acute Medical Conditions Interfering with Duty. The treating DoD HCP or licensed non-DoD HCP has determined that there are special medical circumstances related to the pregnancy that would interfere with the Marine’s ability to safely accomplish the military mission.
(3) Other Special Circumstances. The notification is based on other special circumstances in which proper execution of the military mission outweighs the interests served by delaying notification, as determined on a case-by-case basis by a DoD HCP (or other authorized official of the military medical treatment facility involved) at the grade of O-6 or higher, or civilian employee equivalent level. The following special circumstances require earlier notification:
(a) Marines who intend to carry the pregnancy to term and are in receipt of orders to an officer accession program, to include the United States Naval Academy, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, or Officer Candidate School, must inform the program office no later than 90 days prior to report date for the program. Commands will work with the accession program to determine whether the orders can be executed or need to be deferred.
(b) Marines who intend to carry the pregnancy to term and are in receipt of orders to a training or educational program that will not be completed prior to expected delivery date must inform their command no later than 90 days prior to the report date for the program. Commands will work with Service assignment offices and the schoolhouse to determine whether the training orders can be executed or need to be deferred. Consideration for deferment will also include the necessary recovery time from the birth and the planned execution of parental leave.
b. Required Pregnancy Testing. When pregnancy testing is included as part of health screenings for pre-deployment, specific job training, theater entry requirements, or other authorized reasons, test results will first be reviewed by the DoD HCP and will not be automatically sent to the appropriate command authorities. In the event of a positive pregnancy test, the DoD HCP will consult with the Marine to determine their preferred course of action in accordance with this guidance.
(1) If the Marine intends to carry the pregnancy to term, the Marine must notify appropriate command authorities immediately. The Marine will be placed on a medical temporary non-deployable status with modifications specific to pregnancy in accordance with reference (c) and (e).
(2) If the Marine informs the DoD HCP that they intend to, or are considering terminating the pregnancy, the Marine will be provided a light duty chit, with the requirement to be placed in a medical temporary non-deployable status without reference to pregnancy status, until associated medical care and the necessary recovery period are complete. The Marine must provide this chit to their chain of command as soon as possible to support their health, ensure access to resources and support unit readiness. The following administrative reporting will occur: Duty limitations (TTC 157) for a Marine will be reported as DU LIMIT MEDICAL (NON DEPLOY) (duty limitation code "D"). Neither the Marine nor the DoD HCP shall be required to notify the appropriate command authorities that pregnancy is the basis for the restricted duty status, in accordance with this guidance.
c. Deployed or Underway. If a Marine is confirmed to be pregnant while deployed or underway, the treating DoD HCP will consult with the Marine to determine their preferred course of action.
(1) If the Marine intends to carry the pregnancy to term, the Marine, upon immediate notification to the command, will be placed on a medical temporary non-deployable status with modifications specific to pregnancy in accordance with reference (c) and (e). The Marine will redeploy to their permanent duty station in accordance with reference (c) and/or theater-level policy.
(2) If the Marine informs the DoD HCP that they intend to, or are considering terminating the pregnancy, the DoD HCP will immediately provide the pregnant Marine a light duty chit, with the requirement for medical temporary non-deployable status and the Marine must provide this chit to their chain of command soon as possible to support their health, ensure access to resources and support unit readiness. The following administrative reporting will occur: Duty limitations (TTC 157) for a Marine will be reported as DU LIMIT MEDICAL (NON DEPLOY) (duty limitation code "D"). The Marine will be redeployed to their permanent duty station if required by theater-level policy or based on the recommendation from the DoD HCP. When the associated medical care and necessary recovery period are complete, the Marine may be eligible to return to the theater based on mission requirements and applicable theater-level policy.
d. Provider Notification to the Marine. For notifications made pursuant to paragraphs 4a, 4b(1), and 4c(1), DoD HCPs must provide the Marine reasonable notice of no less than one business day, unless exigent mission requirements necessitate quicker notification, to allow the Marine to notify their command as soon as possible and be placed on a medical temporary non-deployable status with limitations specific to pregnancy in accordance with reference (c) and (e).
5. Commanders and Marines are encouraged to visit the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center's, "Women's Health Toolbox," at https:(slash)(slash)www.med.navy.mil/Navy-Marine-Corps-Public-Health-Center/Womens-Health/ and www.health.mil/EnsuringAccesstoReproductiveHealth for additional information and resources on a myriad of important women's health issues.
6. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
7. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//