Malta Launches Consultation on NICU Parental Leave: ‘No Parent Should Choose Between Job and Sick Baby’

**Public consultation launched on parental leave for parents of babies in intensive care**

Malta has opened a public consultation on a proposed new measure that would grant additional paid leave to parents whose newborns require neonatal intensive care, marking a significant step towards recognising the emotional and financial toll faced by families during medical crises.

The initiative, announced by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, proposes granting up to 12 weeks of additional paid leave to parents whose babies are hospitalised in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for more than seven consecutive days. This would apply to both mothers and fathers, and could be taken flexibly within the first year of the child’s life.

The move comes after years of advocacy by parents’ groups, midwives, and NGOs who have long highlighted the gaps in Malta’s parental support system. Currently, Maltese law provides 18 weeks of maternity leave and 10 days of paternity leave, but there is no specific provision for cases where babies are born prematurely or with health complications requiring extended hospitalisation.

For many Maltese families, the NICU experience is not just emotionally draining but also financially crippling. Parents often find themselves juggling hospital visits, medical updates, and the demands of other children at home, all while trying to maintain employment. The lack of dedicated leave forces many to use up their annual leave or take unpaid time off, adding financial stress to an already traumatic situation.

“This is about dignity and compassion,” said Clara Borg, a mother of twins who spent six weeks in NICU at Mater Dei Hospital. “I had to return to work just two weeks after giving birth because my maternity leave had started ticking from the day they were born, even though they were still fighting for their lives in incubators. No parent should have to choose between their job and being with their sick baby.”

Malta’s strong family-centric culture makes this issue particularly poignant. In a society where children are often seen as the centre of family life, and where grandparents frequently play active roles in childcare, the inability of parents to be present during critical early weeks strikes at the heart of Maltese values.

The consultation document, available on the government’s website, invites feedback from healthcare professionals, employers, parents, and the general public. It outlines three possible models for implementing the leave, ranging from extending existing parental leave provisions to creating a entirely new category of NICU-specific leave.

Healthcare professionals have welcomed the proposal. Dr. Miriam Vella, a neonatologist at Mater Dei, emphasised the critical importance of parental presence in NICU outcomes. “We see daily how babies thrive when their parents are present, holding them, talking to them, participating in their care. This isn’t just about bonding – it’s about medical outcomes. Babies whose parents are actively involved in their care have better growth rates, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays.”

The business community has reacted cautiously, with employers expressing concerns about operational challenges, particularly for small businesses. However, the Malta Employers’ Association has indicated willingness to find workable solutions, suggesting that government support could help mitigate the impact on businesses.

If implemented, Malta would join a small but growing number of European countries recognising NICU leave, including the UK and France. This positions Malta as a potential leader in Southern Europe on family-friendly policies, aligning with the government’s stated commitment to supporting families and addressing demographic challenges.

The consultation remains open until June 30th, with the government aiming to introduce legislation by early 2025. As Malta continues to grapple with low birth rates and emigration of young families, such measures could prove crucial in making the island a more attractive place to raise children.

For families like the Borgs, change can’t come soon enough. “Every day we spent in NICU was a battle,” Clara reflects. “But parents shouldn’t have to battle their employers or the system just to be with their children when they need them most.”