Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, how many weeks of unpaid leave are allowed in a 12-month period for birth or adoption?

• A. 4 weeks
• B. 8 weeks
• C. 26 weeks
• D. 12 weeks

Answer: (D)

Birth or adoption is covered under FMLA with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period. This 12-week limit applies specifically to leaving for the birth of a child or the placement of a child for adoption or foster care, and the leave can be used in one block or in separate blocks as allowed by the employer. The other time spans don’t fit this scenario: 4 weeks and 8 weeks are shorter than the allowed maximum for birth/adoption, and 26 weeks is reserved for a different FMLA provision (typically involving care for a seriously ill or injured service member). So, the correct maximum for birth or adoption is 12 weeks.