Comprehensive program for pregnant employees pushed

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker is pushing for a law seeking to establish a comprehensive program for employed pregnant women in an effort to secure their jobs during pregnancies and to further their role in nation building.

Laguna Rep. Maria Evita Arago said House Bill 6691 grants medical leaves once every month to pregnant employees for pregnancy-related consultation in addition to existing leave privileges under existing laws.

“Pregnant women who are employed will enjoy the benefit of medical leaves once every month for pregnancy-related medical consultation,” Arago said.

“But the pregnant woman should have previously furnished her employer a medical certificate confirming her pregnancy and the ailment or affliction she might be suffering from is a result of her pregnancy,” she added.

The bill, which mandates the Health Department to come up with a comprehensive health care program for pregnant women, also seeks to provide flexible working hours for pregnant working women as long as it does not affect the individual and company productivity.

In addition, any pregnant woman who is considered below the poverty line with be eligible for assistance subject to the assessment of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.