Comprehensive Pregnancy and Family Medical Care Leave Program for the 21st Century

摘要

This paper looks at the issues involved in pregnancy: readiness, unplanned pregnancies, fitness, and breast feeding; and proposes a comprehensive program to minimize the impact on the Army, the soldier, and the American taxpayer. This proposal includes an education program to: (1) prevent unplanned pregnancies; (2) assist in family planning; (3) promote prenatal maternal and fetal health; and promote (4) postpartum fitness to facilitate faster and easier return to duty status. It also provides an option for extended family care for all medical needs with a family medical care leave of up to one year to assist unit readiness, improve quality of life, and increase soldier commitment to the Army.