Germany: Amendments to the German Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz)

On 30^th January 2025, the German parliament (Bundestag) decided to introduce staggered maternity protection periods after a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy. In the future, women who suffer a miscarriage after the 12th week of pregnancy will be entitled to staggered maternity protection periods: up to two weeks from the 13^th week, up to six weeks from the 17^th week, and up to eight weeks from the 20^th week, unless they are expressly prepared to work. The aim of this regulation is to give the women concerned time to recover and cope with the stressful situation. During maternity protection periods, the employee has special protection against termination. Employers can request a refund of the remuneration due during maternity protection periods through the health insurance.