A woman at a prenatal check-up at a hospital. A National Assembly deputy proposes increasing paternal leave benefits for fathers in the draft Social Insurance Law (amendment). — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — In a move aimed at bolstering family support, a National Assembly deputy has tabled a proposal advocating for increased paternity leave entitlements for fathers.

The proposal suggests that husbands should receive a minimum of 10 days off when their wives give birth, with the potential for this period to be doubled in the case of multiple births or caesarean deliveries.

Secretary-General of the National Assembly, Bùi Văn Cường, has compiled the insights and proposals voiced by lawmakers during the recent 5th conference focused on amending the Social Insurance Law.

Among the key points discussed was the need to revise existing provisions concerning paternity leave to better align with contemporary family dynamics.

Under the proposed amendments, male workers covered by social insurance would be entitled to five working days off when their wives give birth, with seven days granted for surgical deliveries or premature births occurring before 32 weeks of gestation.

In instances of twin births, a 10-day leave allowance would be provided, with an additional three days granted for each additional child.

For twin deliveries necessitating surgery, a 14-day leave period would be allocated, with an extra three days given for each additional child requiring surgical intervention.

There were also calls to extend the period within which male spouses could use the leave from the current 60 days to six months following the birth of their child, aiming to provide greater support to mothers during the postpartum period.

During discussions, deputy Tô Ái Vang from Sóc Trăng Province put forth additional proposals concerning paternity benefits for male workers.

Vang underscored the importance of providing adequate support for fathers, particularly in industrial and export processing zones where familial support may be lacking.

She emphasised the necessity of extending benefits to workers adopting children under six months old and proposed adjustments to sick leave provisions for parents caring for sick children under 16 years old.

Vang cited current legislation, such as the Children's Law, which recognises children as individuals under 16 years old. She highlighted the realities faced by parents who often require time off work to care for sick children, emphasising the importance of enacting supportive measures in line with these needs. — VNS