Petition · past parliament
Extend the Statutory Paternity Leave to minimum 4 weeks.
Closed
197 signatures
What the petition asks
Fathers have very important role in the upbringing of their children. First weeks of having a newborn are extremely tough - mothers need support; also very crucial as fathers need to bond with their new baby. Two weeks of SPL is not enough.
Parents should be involved as much as mothers in newborn care. The modern family with two working parents should be equally equipped to explore and discover a healthy balance to meet the baby’s needs after birth and to bond with their baby, and adjust to the new life together.
Mothers are at risk after birth for “the baby blues” or post-partum depression. Fathers are an important factor in moderating this risk, giving mothers more time to focus on self-care.
Mothers are at risk after birth for “the baby blues” or post-partum depression. Fathers are an important factor in moderating this risk, giving mothers more time to focus on self-care.
Timeline
| 27 Jul 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Jan 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
197
Status
Closed
Opened
27 Jul 2020
Closed
27 Jan 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.