Birth Leave vs. Parental Leave: Key Differences in Duration and Pay!

Following its suspension due to the dissolution of the National Assembly, the parental leave reform is gradually returning to the forefront of government discussions. Initially scheduled for 2025, the birth leave is expected to be “effective next year,” stated Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Gender Equality, to AFP on March 3, 2025. As the President had assured, this new leave will be “better compensated” and “shorter than the current parental leave.” Here is what we know so far.

What is the Duration of the New Birth Leave?

According to recent announcements by Minister Aurore Bergé, it will be a leave of “four months per parent“, which can be taken after a standard maternity or paternity leave. It remains to be seen if the leave can be taken by both parents simultaneously or consecutively, and whether they will be free to choose the dates. “The details still need to be discussed with social partners,” the Élysée had indicated last year.

What is the Compensation for Birth Leave?

Last year, the government had noted that the compensation for birth leave could amount to 50% of the parent’s salary. “The idea is to move away from the logic of a uniform family benefit and adopt a system of daily allowances, indexed to the salary,” Matignon had announced during a press briefing on March 6, 2024. A portion of this compensation might be a “percentage of the previous salary” and would be guaranteed by Social Security up to a monthly cap of 1800 euros, had indicated Aurore Bergé. The employer could then supplement it, “to cover 100% of the salary.” These were serious considerations at the time.

Differences Between Parental Leave and Birth Leave

Here are the potential changes with the introduction of birth leave, which will replace parental leave in the future. The information comes from the government, specifically from 2024.

Sample Letter for Requesting Parental Leave

While waiting for the birth leave to be implemented, here is the letter to print to request the current parental leave from your employer:

Print the template

How to Apply for Birth Leave, What are the Procedures?

If the government decides to maintain the same procedures as for parental leave, to benefit from the birth leave, you must inform your employer in advance by a letter sent by registered mail, with acknowledgment of receipt or handed in person against signature. This letter should specify the dates and duration of your leave. Generally, the application is to be made to the CAF. Note that birth leave is a right for parents, and an employer cannot normally refuse it.