Publication | Closed Access
Experiences in Developing Legislation Protecting Reproductive Health
15
Citations
0
References
1995
Year
Family MedicineReproductive StudiesFertilityReproductive HealthGynecologyLawReproductive EthicsMaternity ServiceHealth LawHigh-risk PregnancyPublic Health LawReproductive EthicPrenatal CarePublic HealthReproductive RightsSexual And Reproductive HealthInfertilityRespectful Maternity CareHealth PolicyMaternal ComplicationReproductive LawMaternal HealthSpecial MaternityFertility PolicyAbortionHazardous Work SituationsPregnancyPregnant WomenMedicine
The law regarding special maternity leave for pregnant women in hazardous work situations has been in effect since 1981 in Denmark. In Finland, legislation regarding the protection of the reproductive health of working men and women and of pregnant women has been in effect since 1991. According to the special maternity leave law, women who are exposed to certain chemical, physical, or biological agents that are considered to be harmful to the fetus may be entitled to special maternity leave and benefits. In Denmark and in Finland, approximately 1 % and 0.1%, respectively, of pregnant women have used the special maternity leave due to a risky work situation. In Finland, the yearly costs of the leave have been US $200,000 to $250,000. Trained occupational physicians can facilitate changes at the workplace that will decrease the need for special maternity leave.