What is the maximum number of weeks of gestation that a pregnant female member may serve onboard a deployed unit?

The policy regarding the maximum number of weeks of gestation that a pregnant female member may serve onboard a deployed unit is established to ensure the health and safety of both the service member and the unborn child while maintaining operational readiness within the military. The correct answer indicates that a pregnant service member can serve up until 20 weeks of pregnancy during deployment.

This cut-off is based on several considerations, including the potential medical complications that can arise later in pregnancy and the physical demands of service. Beyond this gestational age, the risks to both the mother and baby increase significantly, which is why organizations prioritize a healthy environment for childbirth and postnatal care.

The other choices, while lower, do not reflect the established guidelines that allow for service until 20 weeks, as they would limit operational capacity and infringe upon the member's right to serve up until the recognized threshold.