Soon-to-be mothers who, due to the current statutory maternity pay scheme in our country, will be forced to return to work just six weeks after giving birth. This is not only physically challenging but also emotionally taxing as it hinders their ability to fully bond with their newborn baby. The financial strain of this situation is immense and unnecessary.

Health professionals consistently advise that the average recovery time post-birth ranges between six and twelve weeks. Yet, our current system only provides for 90% pay for the first six weeks of maternity leave. This discrepancy between medical advice and financial support puts undue stress on new mothers during a period when their focus should be on recovery and nurturing their newborns.

According to a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), out of 185 countries surveyed, only two do not provide cash benefits during maternity leave (ILO, Maternity and paternity at work: Law and practice across the world). Our country's policy falls short compared with global standards.

We are calling for an extension of statutory maturity pay from its current duration of six weeks at 90% pay rate, to twelve weeks at the same rate. This change would align our policies with health professionals' recommendations ensuring new mothers have adequate time for physical recovery post-birth while also fostering essential bonding time with their babies without financial strain.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting new mothers during one of life's most significant transitions - becoming a parent.