Will Maternity Protection Be Extended to Self-Employed Individuals?

The issue of maternity protection for self-employed women has gained recent attention following the inclusion of this topic in a coalition agreement between major political parties in Germany. Currently, self-employed women face significant challenges when it comes to maternity leave and financial support during pregnancy, as existing laws primarily cater to employees.

Johanna Röh, a self-employed entrepreneur who experienced these challenges firsthand after the birth of her daughter three years ago, has been actively advocating for reform. She highlights that while traditional employees enjoy clear rights to maternity leave and parental benefits, self-employed women often find themselves without similar protections, making it difficult to balance business responsibilities and motherhood.

The coalition agreement, which outlines the government's intentions, states that the aim is to introduce a maternity protection plan for self-employed individuals that mirrors the protections provided to employees. It emphasizes the necessity of exploring models that would be funded through contributions and working collaboratively with insurance companies to develop viable solutions for those affected.

Under the existing legal framework in Germany, self-employed mothers can apply for parental leave benefits, but they do not have access to the statutory maternity leave periods or maternity pay provided to employees. To receive any form of financial support, they must secure a private health insurance policy, which often comes with numerous restrictions, making it inaccessible for many. For those who are voluntarily insured through a statutory health fund, a limited maternity allowance may be available, but only if certain criteria are met.

In a significant move towards change, Röh, along with other advocates, submitted a petition to the Bundestag, gathering over 100,000 signatures to demonstrate the demand for reform. This initiative has led to the formation of a support network comprising nearly 300 members from diverse professions across Germany, all facing similar hurdles regarding maternity leave and financial security during pregnancy.

Röh expressed optimism regarding the inclusion of maternity protection for self-employed women in the coalition agreement, noting that it represents a critical step in the right direction. However, she acknowledges that the path to full implementation remains long and complex. The immediate focus is on ensuring income security, with further developments expected to address specific industry needs. Potential solutions may include the introduction of operational assistants, akin to models already in place in the agricultural sector.

Currently, the only available form of financial protection for self-employed individuals is through health insurance for sick pay. However, Röh points out that this option has many exclusions and only partially covers living expenses while failing to address business costs.