French Senate Extends Prenatal Leave for Civil Servants Amidst Concerns Over Reduced Sick Pay
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A new amendment adopted by the French Senate aims to partially mitigate the financial impact on pregnant civil servants following a recent reform to sick leave compensation.The measure, passed during the examination of the 2026 budget on Saturday, extends the duration of “prenatal pathological leave” – a period of leave taken before maternity leave – from two to three weeks with full pay.
Addressing concerns Over Reduced Benefits
The amendment responds to anxieties raised after a policy change implemented at the beginning of 2025 reduced sick leave compensation for all public employees, including pregnant women. Previously, employees received 100% pay during sick leave; now, compensation is capped at 90%. The Lecornu government acknowledged that this reduction “could have had unfavorable consequences” for expectant mothers who may need to cease work for health reasons.
As a senior official stated,the change “weakens them during the period of pregnancy where cessation may be necessary for the health of both the woman and the unborn child.” The Senate’s action seeks to provide a buffer against potential financial hardship during a critical period.
Details of the Amendment
The extended prenatal leave, available from the moment a pregnancy is declared until the start of maternity leave, will be fully compensated. The estimated cost of this measure is €4 million annually. According to the Minister Delegate in charge of the public service and State reform, David Amiel, “This provision allows them to be better protected.”
The amendment acknowledges the reality that pregnant civil servants, on average, take seven days of sick leave in addition to their existing two weeks of pre-partum leave. this additional week of fully compensated leave aims to cover a portion of that average need,preventing a loss of income.
A Legacy of Advocacy
The push for this amendment is deeply connected to the recent passing of Mylène Jacquot, the general secretary of the CFDT Civil Services, who died on Friday, December 12, at the age of 60. Jacquot was a staunch advocate for the rights of women civil servants.
While it is indeed believed she would have welcomed the amendment, colleagues suggest she would have considered it insufficient. Amélie de Montchalin, the Minister of Action and Public Accounts, emphasized the importance of Jacquot’s contribution, stating, “The measure was born from an in-depth social dialog that Mylène Jacquot brought; she owes her a lot.”
Next Steps and Union Response
The amendment must now receive final approval from Parliament. While unions acknowledge the step forward,they express reservations,stating the measure only partially addresses their concerns. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between fiscal duty and the need to protect vulnerable workers, especially expectant mothers.
This provision represents a compromise, offering some relief while acknowledging the broader challenges posed by the recent changes to sick leave compensation.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions, transforming the update into a substantive news report:
Why: The French Senate amended the 2026 budget to address concerns that a recent reduction in sick leave compensation (from 100% to 90%) would disproportionately harm pregnant civil servants who may require medical leave during pregnancy. The government acknowledged the potential for unfavorable consequences.
Who: The key players are the French Senate
