Lawmakers agreed that the regulations are appropriate, helping pregnant workers feel secure to work.

Deputy Nguyen Thi Viet Nga from Hai Duong Province proposed that the time off work for prenatal check-ups should comply with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health to ensure the health of both mother and child.

She said while meeting voters, especially those who are workers, they all requested to increase the number of days off for prenatal checkup.

“This regulation should be based on the requirements for pregnancy care and health examination as recommended by the Ministry of Health,” Nga said, adding, “We need to consult more experts to regulate the number of times female employees can take leave for prenatal check-ups and ensure the minimum times for prenatal check-ups as needed. This is humane and meets the wishes of voters.”

Representing Ben Tre Province, Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi wants to increase the number of times off for prenatal checkups during pregnancy.

She proposed that, in order to be more flexible and secure for pregnant women, it’s possible to offer more options for prenatal check-ups during their pregnancy.

“They can take a maximum of five breaks, each time not exceeding two days or we can increase the number of prenatal check-ups to nine to 10 times during pregnancy to ensure that female workers are fully screened for the fetus’ health to develop well,” said Nhi.

Deputies also proposed that the draft law add maternity benefits to voluntary social insurance, regulate the time for employees’ leave to take care of a sick child from age 7 to 16, strengthen communications to have a sustainable welfare regime for workers in case of illness, industrial accidents, occupational diseases, health insurance, and pensions.