The Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a draft to introduce supplementary maternity leave for parents of premature babies and newborns requiring prolonged treatment in the hospital. The new regulations provide for an additional period of care for the parents, which the government says is expected to provide vital support in the first challenging weeks of the child's life.
"From 8 to as many as 15 weeks, parents of children born prematurely or those who require a longer stay in the hospital will be able to extend their leave." - stated in a communiqué following the government meeting.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the importance of the new solution for families. "We would like as few children as possible to be born too early, because it is a known risk and such a baby is weaker, but there is also a reason to rejoice that in the situation when a premature baby comes into the world, mom and dad will have more time for him and for taking care of him in this most difficult moment of his life," the Prime Minister noted during the press conference.
With the new regulations, the duration of leave for parents of premature babies will be able to range from 8 to as many as 15 additional weeks, which is expected to depend on the date of birth and the specific health needs of the child. The government assures that the decision was a priority due to its desire to strengthen support for families and protect the rights of vulnerable children.
Source: KPRM
