France doubles parental leave for children with serious illnesses

A new French law has doubled the amount of specific leave available to private-sector employees when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness or disability. Effective June 14, 2026, the minimum leave period has increased from five to ten working days.

This leave is intended to help parents manage the immediate aftermath of a diagnosis, such as attending initial medical appointments and organizing family life. The benefit applies to specific conditions, including certain chronic illnesses managed by health insurance (such as diabetes or severe epilepsy), rare diseases, and severe allergies requiring injectable treatments. The leave is fully paid and does not deduct from an employee's annual paid vacation.

In local contexts, such as Chambray-lès-Tours, community mobilization efforts continue to support pediatric cancer awareness and research, emphasizing the need for solidarity with affected families.