The purpose of the proposed changes is to additionally protect motherhood and improve the conditions for the health of pregnant women and those who have recently given birth.
"Thanks to the current pro-birth policy, the number of newborn children has been on a steady rise since 2003. In 2003, 39,000 children were born and in 2010, more than 44,000 babies were born in Croatia," Family Affairs and Inter-generational Solidarity Ministry State Secretary Stjepan Adanic said in parliament.
The amendments provide for the extension of mandatory maternity leave from 70 days to 98 days.