Lawyers fight for adoption maternity leave
A group of lawyers is set to challenge South Africa's labour legislation relating to maternity leave for adoptive parents.
Senior associate, Nicki Van 't Riet feels the Basic Conditions Employment Act and certain sections of the Labour Relations Act discriminate against adoptive parents in comparison to biological parents.
Van 't Riet believes the Act should be inclusive of adoptive parents, adding that the laws need to be revisited by Parliament.
She says newborn babies need attention, regardless of whether they are being raised by adoptive or biological parents.
"The first three months of a child's life allows for the bonding process to take place and for healthy early childhood development. The need for a bonding process is heightened in a situation where a child is placed up for adoption, often having come from a traumatic background.
"This means that bonding is so much more important in their adoptive situation," she said.
They plan to lodge the application by the end of the year.
(File photo)