Spouses at Risk of Miscarriage: Husbands Can Take Paternity Leave... Implemented in September

Starting September, the government will allow husbands to take paternity leave if a pregnant partner faces health risks, such as miscarriage or stillbirth. Additionally, partners can use paternity leave before the birth of their child, from 50 days before childbirth until 120 days after. This change aims to support fathers in providing care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period.

Furthermore, the government has expanded the range of circumstances under which paternity leave can be utilized. This includes situations where a partner has recently given birth, or where the partner is currently hospitalized due to illness or an accident. In such cases, fathers can take up to five days of paid paternity leave, with the first three days being mandatory. The leave is available to both small and large businesses, with larger companies offering the same amount of pay as for a regular working day.

Starting in the next month, fathers will also be able to take one or two weeks of paternity leave for childcare responsibilities, such as when a child is sick or has had an accident. This leave will be in addition to the current annual or semi-annual paternity leave, which can be divided across multiple periods. In cases of emergency, fathers can start their leave immediately and receive paternity leave pay for the duration of their leave.

The government hopes that these measures will encourage more fathers to participate in childcare and support their partners during pregnancy and childbirth. This "partnership support package" is expected to provide a more balanced approach to parenting and improve family well-being.