Example: A member's expected date of the birth is 1 June. On 9 March she miscarries. This is 12 weeks before the expected date of birth. This event meets the definition of termination. The member is fully entitled to maternity leave, and she must observe the required absence.

Example: A member's expected date of the birth is 1 June. On 6 January she miscarries. This is 21 weeks before the expected date of birth. This event does not meet the definition of termination. The member has no maternity leave entitlement. The member is absent for a time under fitness for duty arrangements, to recover from the miscarriage.

Example 1: A member falls pregnant while already on unpaid maternity leave. She may be granted a second period of maternity leave.

Example 2: A member falls pregnant while on leave without pay. Section 5.6.31 prevents her from having access to further maternity leave until her leave without pay has ended.

Comparison: Examples 1 and 2 have different outcomes, as unpaid maternity leave and leave without pay are different leave types.

In accordance with Defence Health Manual Volume 2 Part 9 Chapter 3 – Management of pregnant Defence members, as published on 27 October 2017, Command is informed once pregnancy has been confirmed. This information may only be used for the following purposes.