Parliament approved in final reading draft amendments to several legislative acts, including the Labor Code and Law No. 289/2004 on temporary disability benefits and other social security benefits.
Until now, the legislation provided for the father’s entitlement to 15 calendar days of parental leave and the corresponding allowance. However, it did not contain a clear definition for situations involving more than one child, whether born from the same pregnancy or adopted. The absence of these provisions created inequalities in the exercise of parental rights.
The law now provides that in the case of twins, fathers may take up to 15 calendar days of parental leave for each child. The same provisions apply in the case of adoption of several children. Fathers will also be entitled to a separate paternity allowance for each child.
According to the authors of the amendments, the measure is aimed at promoting gender equality in parental responsibilities and supporting large families by harmonizing legislation with international standards.
“The father’s presence in the first weeks after birth or adoption helps to create a stronger emotional bond between him and the children. And this has a positive impact on child development and family cohesion. Providing paternity leave in proportion to the number of children gives fathers more time to support mothers and share responsibilities, which is especially important in families with several children,” the explanatory note to the legislative amendments notes.
