The rights of pregnant women in Poland - selected legal aspects

This article responds to the important and at the same time controversial scholars debate. It interrogates the notion of the legal rights of the pregnant woman in Poland. Pregnant women including those that work are provided certain protections under the polish law during pregnancy. The two primary acts (one is not binding) that protect women during pregnancy include the Labour Code and a Charter of Rights of a Birthing Woman. Polish Labour Code prevents an employer from firing a pregnant women based on her pregnancy or pregnancy related illness. The act also prevents the employer from forcing a mandatory pregnancy or maternity leave on any employee. According to the Labour Code employer must grant every pregnant women the right to modified work tasks or disability leave. Pregnant women are afforded the opportunity to work as long as they are able to while on the job, and their jobs are protected during maternity leave. Moreover, pregnant women may accrue seniority or vacation while pregnant and remain eligible for other formal perks such as bonuses or pay increases. The basic intention for the Charter is to constitute a basis for defining the scope of medical, psychological and other types of care that every pregnant woman should be provided with.