In accordance with the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 in India, a woman is entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave if she is having her first or second child. This applies whether the pregnancy is natural or through IVF treatment.
Here's a step-by-step guide for applying for maternity leave:
1. 🤝 Write a formal application: Your application should include relevant details like your name, position, department, the expected date of delivery, and the duration of leave you intend to take.
2. 🍁 Discuss with your supervisor: It is advised to have an open discussion with your immediate supervisor about your leave plan and how your work will be managed in your absence.
3. 🈳 Submit your application: Submit your leave application to the HR department as early as possible. This helps the organization plan accordingly.
4. 🈴 Provide a medical certificate: If requested, provide a medical certificate from your doctor or healthcare provider confirming your pregnancy.
5. 🈰 Follow up: Make sure to follow up on your application status with the HR department.
Remember, the maternity benefits are applicable only to women who have worked with the employer for a minimum period of 80 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of her expected delivery.
Also, note that the law does not distinguish between a pregnancy that is a result of IVF or otherwise. Hence, your rights as a pregnant woman remain the same.
🎡Tip: It is always a good idea to read your company's maternity leave policy in the employee handbook or discuss it with your HR department for any company-specific guidelines.
Finally, it's important to note that if a woman has more than two children, the maternity leave is restricted to 12 weeks.
I hope this information helps you. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.