Senator Jerry Moran yesterday introduced legislation to support military mothers by making certain that women serving in the National Guard and Reserve can take maternity leave without worrying about how it will affect their creditable military service. The Mothers of Military Service (MOMS) Leave Act would allow for women to receive pay and points toward retirement while out on maternity leave.

The Department of Defense had previously established policies in 2016 allowing for 12 weeks of fully-paid maternity leave following pregnancy and childbirth, but women serving in the National Guard and Reserve can lose out on credit for military service while out on leave under the current laws.

Moran's legislation would allow women on maternity leave to receive 12 pay periods toward retirement after pregnancy and childbirth. It is estimated this bill will assist 150,000 women currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve.