Nepal Could Soon Double Paid Maternity Leave To Six Months, What It Means For Every Working Mother

The Government of Nepal has proposed increasing paid maternity leave for working women from 98 days to six monthsthrough amendments to the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act. The draft proposal was released this week by the Ministry of Health and Population for public consultation across Nepal before being submitted to the Federal Parliament. The government says the change is intended to improve maternal and newborn health, encourage exclusive breastfeeding, support post-delivery recovery, and strengthen reproductive health rights for working mothers.

What The Proposal Would Change

If the amendment becomes law, women employed in government offices, private companies and non-government organisations would be entitled to six months of paid maternity leave, replacing the existing 98-day provision. The draft allows the leave to be taken before or after childbirth, providing greater flexibility depending on medical advice and family needs.

More Than Just Longer Leave

The proposed amendment goes beyond extending maternity leave. It would also strengthen legal protections for pregnant women by recognising physical and psychological violence against pregnant women and new mothers as unlawful. In addition, health facilities would be required to continue providing essential maternal and reproductive healthcare services, including emergency obstetric care, newborn care, family planning and safe abortion services, even during disasters and emergencies.

Public Consultation Before Parliament

The proposal is not yet law. The Ministry of Health has published the draft bill and invited feedback from citizens, experts and stakeholders before finalising it. Once the consultation process is completed, the bill is expected to be submitted to the Federal Parliament, where lawmakers will debate and decide whether to approve the reforms.

Why This Matters

Health experts have long highlighted that longer maternity leave supports exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, improves maternal recovery after childbirth, and contributes to healthier early childhood development. If enacted, the proposal would represent one of Nepal's most significant labour and public health reforms for working mothers in recent years, aligning workplace policy more closely with public health objectives.