Qualifying for Maternity Protection under Child Development Co-Savings Act and Employment Act

46 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the only document that is recognised for a female employee to qualify for maternity protection under the Child Development Co-savings Act and Employment Act is a medical report certifying her pregnancy; and (b) whether a female employee who qualified for maternity protection may appeal against unfair dismissal if she was dismissed after making known her pregnancy but suffered a miscarriage thereafter.

Mr Lim Swee Say: The Employment Act (EA) and the Child Development Co-savings Act (CDCA) protect female employees during pregnancy and while on maternity leave.

Employees who are eligible for maternity protection and benefits under EA and CDCA must be certified pregnant by a registered medical practitioner. This certification can take the form of a memo, letter or medical report that is signed by the medical practitioner.

The maternity protection against unfair dismissal applies throughout the pregnancy, regardless of whether the employee later has a miscarriage. An employee can submit an appeal to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if she was unfairly dismissed while pregnant. MOM will investigate accordingly and take appropriate actions under the EA.