Key details
Maternity leave is extended for first-time mothers from 18 consecutive weeks to 22 consecutive weeks. It remains compulsory that mothers take a minimum of 11 weeks of leave, commencing two weeks prior to the expected birth.
The extended maternity leave entitlement also applies to new mothers who had their child through a surrogate mother. The surrogate mother herself is entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave.
Mothers remain entitled to 22 consecutive weeks of maternity leave for the birth of a second child and to 26 consecutive weeks for each birth thereafter.
Adoptive mothers
Maternity leave for first-time adoptive mothers of a child under age 12 has also been extended from 16 consecutive weeks to 20 consecutive weeks. It remains at 20 consecutive weeks when adopting a second child and 24 consecutive weeks for each adoption thereafter.
Newborn hospitalization
New mothers whose infant is hospitalized because of health issues or premature birth are entitled to an additional week of maternity leave for every 14 days of hospitalization to a new maximum of eight weeks of additional maternity leave, increased from the previous six weeks.
Next steps
Employers should audit and update their current policies, procedures, handbooks, and agreements to bring them into compliance with the extended maternity leave provisions.