This petition aims to adjust the leave/permissive duty rules for adoptive parents to be in line with current maternity/paternity leave authorizations. Currently, active duty U.S. military members who give birth biologically are afforded 12 weeks of leave for the mother and 10 days of parental leave for the father/spouse.
However, Adoptive Parents (including same sex couples and those choosing adoption) receive only 21 days of leave IF granted by the commander. If the couple happens to be dual military then only 1 parent can take the leave and the other is not allowed parental leave because the child was not birthed by their spouse. Please sign this petition to allow all children and families, regardless of biology, the right to sufficient bonding and adjustment time.