Nepal lawmakers advocate for maternity leave extension and obstetric violence laws

Lawmakers and health experts in Nepal are advocating for significant legal reforms to protect maternal rights and health. During a discussion organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), members of the House of Representatives called for the criminalization of obstetric violence to ensure respectful maternity care.

Advocates emphasized the need to amend the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act of 2018 to include provisions for compensation and to prevent discrimination and coercion during childbirth. The discussions highlighted Nepal's obligations under international treaties to provide care that is sensitive and informed by consent.

In a separate but related legislative effort, a motion has been registered in the Federal Parliament to extend maternity leave to six months for all women, regardless of profession. Proposer Sita Thapaliya argued the move is a matter of public health and human rights. Health experts, citing World Health Organization recommendations, noted that a six-month leave period supports infant health through breastfeeding and addresses social pressures regarding child-rearing.