The Maternity Protection Act outlines the rights and obligations of all expecting mothers. In order for employers to comply with the provisions, women should announce their pregnancy immediately. Expecting mothers can only be granted their rights if their employer is aware of their pregnancy.

Employee rights:

• Employment ban / leave must be granted for the last six weeks before delivery, until up to eight weeks after the birth
• There is a general employment ban on certain occupations (e.g. production assembly line work, working on Sundays or night shifts, in addition to individual prohibitions prescribed by a doctor)
• Financial support, such as maternity benefits, employer’s contribution to maternity benefits, and remuneration for prohibited occupations
• Holiday entitlement
• Special protection against dismissal
• Creation of special working conditions for expecting and nursing mothers

Link: www.bmfsfj.de