Belarus plans to increase the duration of pre-natal leave for 14 calendar days and provide it for future mothers from 28 weeks of pregnancy. This initiative of the Ministry of Labour was supported by all the interested people, the head of the department of population, gender and family policy Artemenko Marina said.
According to experts, the provision of longer leave will have a positive impact on the health of mothers and babies. Currently, about 70% of women in late pregnancy are forced to take a sick leave, BelTA informs.
Artemenko Marina said that the project with appropriate changes and amendments to the Labor Code is under development. The specialist hopes that the initiative of the Ministry of Labour will be legislated.
Belarusian women take maternity leave during the 30 week of pregnancy. Maternity allowance is paid for 126 calendar days. Women, living in the regions contaminated 1 Ci per square meter and above, get this allowance paid for 146 calendar days. In the case of difficult childbirth or the birth of two or more children, maternity allowance is paid for 140 calendar days, in the Chernobyl area — for 160 days.
