One significant new law has just been passed, expanding maternity protections to those who have suffered a miscarriage. Germany’s Mutterschutzgesetz grants maternity leave six weeks before and eight weeks after birth, with financial support. Previously, those who miscarried before week 24 had no legal leave or benefits, meaning they had to rely on a doctor’s note for time off and were not eligible for maternity support payments. This placed additional stress on those already dealing with emotional and physical recovery. As of June 1, affected employees will now receive recovery leave and Mutterschaftsleistung to cover lost wages.
The amount of leave varies depending on how far along the pregnancy was at the time of the miscarriage: If the miscarriage occurs in the first trimester (before week 12), one week of leave is granted, between weeks 13 and 16, two weeks of leave are provided. If the miscarriage happens between weeks 17 and 19, the leave extends to six weeks and from week 20 onwards, affected individuals receive the full eight weeks of leave, aligning with postpartum maternity leave. Freelancers with statutory health insurance are included in the law’s coverage, but those with private insurance are currently not. However, an amendment is expected to ensure privately insured freelancers also receive support.