MaternLeave

Definition:
The Federal Government does not have a separate category of maternity leave.

Maternity Leave:

Absence due to pregnancy will be treated like any other medically certified temporary disability. Leave for parental and family responsibilities is a combination of annual leave, sick leave, compensatory time, credit hours, LWOP and Family and Medical Leave.

Once an employee reports her pregnancy, the supervisor should take necessary steps to protect the employee's health and adjust working conditions as necessary. If necessary, the supervisor may request medical documentation authorizing the employee to continue working if it's determined that the employee's health may be at risk performing the duties of the position.

Paternity Leave:

Fathers may request annual leave, leave without pay and/or sick leave, as

appropriate, for purposes related to the birth of a child. In addition, they may use sick leave to accompany the mother to doctors' appointments, during her hospitalization and to care for the mother during her period of recovery from birth (usually 6 to 8 weeks). Sick leave may not be used to bond with a new baby.

Either parent may invoke his or her entitlement to the Family and Medical Leave Act to bond with the new child.

Legal Basis:
None

OPM Regulation:
5 CFR Part 630