German Parliament Expands Maternity Protections to Include Miscarriages
New legislation introduces tiered maternity leave for miscarriages starting from the 13th week of pregnancy, offering women time to recover physically and emotionally.
- The Bundestag unanimously passed a law granting maternity protection to women experiencing miscarriages from the 13th week of pregnancy onward.
- The new regulation introduces tiered leave: two weeks for miscarriages from week 13, six weeks from week 17, and eight weeks from week 20.
- This law addresses a longstanding gap where women had to rely on sick leave for recovery after a miscarriage before the 24th week of pregnancy.
- The legislation also extends protections to self-employed women who are legally insured, but privately insured individuals remain excluded for now.
- Advocates and lawmakers describe the measure as a significant step in women's health policy, aiming to provide a 'safe space' for emotional and physical recovery.
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