Key practical points:
• Basic maternity leave is at least 98 days, with extra days in certain cases and more in some provinces.
• Cutting pay, dismissal or ending the contract due to pregnancy, birth or nursing is prohibited.
• Certain heavy or hazardous tasks are barred for pregnant and nursing employees.
• Nursing breaks are provided during the workday in the child's first year.
• Maternity costs are often covered by maternity insurance if the employee is enrolled.
👷 Labour law
Special Rules on Labor Protection of Female Employees · Yalla China
女职工劳动保护特别规定 / Special Rules on Labor Protection of Female Employees
Enacted: 2012-04-28 ✅ Effective: 2012-04-28
📝 Overview
A regulation protecting female employees during pregnancy, childbirth and nursing, setting maternity leave and prohibited work.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you are a pregnant or nursing employee in China, the law is on your side: dismissal for pregnancy is barred and maternity leave is guaranteed. Make sure you are enrolled in maternity insurance to cover costs, and check your province's rules, which may be more generous. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
State Council / mohrss.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026