Maternity leave will be extended for mothers who have miscarriage at five months
Currently, only those women who have a miscarriage at around seven months of pregnancy have access to that right
The government and opposition have unanimously agreed to extend leave for those who have a miscarriage five months into their pregnancy.
Currently, only those women who have a miscarriage at around seven months of pregnancy have access to that right.
In Malta, maternity leave is a total of four months, three months are paid in full and paid by the employer, and the final month is paid by the government at the rate of Malta’s minimum wage.
On Tuesday, the industrial relations junior minister, Andy Ellul, proposed the measure to parliament to extend maternity leave for mothers who have a stillbirth at 22 weeks or later in their pregnancy.
It passed unanimously through parliament's debate stage on Tuesday, but will become law after the house has a final vote on the matter.
Fathers will also have a right to paternity leave in those cases.
“When a woman and her husband or partner lose a baby, even if they never met him or her, they pass through a tragic loss that leaves a deep wound,” Ellul said.
Ellul said pregnant women will be able to access maternity leave at 22 weeks because it is at that time in a pregnancy when a baby has a chance to survive outside of the womb.
Ellul’s shadow in opposition, Ivan Castillo, agreed with the proposal.
“Although this amendment seems small, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Castillo said.
He said the opposition is always in favour of measures that help families.
Earlier this week, Ellul announced that parents who lose a child under the age of 18 will be entitled to seven days of paid bereavement leave. The measure will come into force as of next year.