MPC: Maternity Protection Convention, ILO 103, 1952

This ILO Convention requires that countries adopt proposals with regard to maternity protection for all employed women, whether working in industrial or non-industrial occupations, agriculture, or waged work in the home. It mandates a minimum of 12 weeks maternity leave, including a period of compulsory leave following the birth of not less than six weeks. While on maternity leave, a woman should be entitled to cash and medical benefits, in keeping with a suitable standard of living for her and her child and adequate medical care. While nursing her child, a woman is entitled to interrupt her work for this purpose and have the time counted in her working hours. Further, a woman cannot be dismissed from her position while on maternity leave. The ILO supervises the implementation of this Convention.