PAHO wants maternity protection laws implemented in the Caribbean

WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is urging Caribbean countries to implement laws to ensure that working women are given the time and support needed to breastfeed.

PAHO, in a message marking International Breastfeeding Week that ends on Wednesday next week, said this includes adequate paid maternity leave and sufficient breastfeeding breaks upon return to work.

International Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme “Protect breastfeeding in the workplace” and PAHO said this is intended “to raise awareness of the need to support parents and create an enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed optimally”.

PAHO said in order to ensure that working mothers are adequately protected, it is calling for regional countries to implement the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention No 183 and the Maternity Protection Recommendation, 2000 (R191), “and to enshrine this in national law.

“This states that women should be given at least 14 weeks paid maternity leave, and that governments should endeavour to extend this leave to at least 18 weeks. It also stipulates that working mothers should be provided with two 30-minute nursing breaks each day upon her return to work, as well as facilities for breastfeeding at or near the workplace.”

Read more at: Jamaica Observer

Source: CARICOM TODAY