Extend Statutory Maternity Pay and Leave for Twins, Triplets and Multiple Births

2,888
signatures
openDepartment for Work and Pensionsby Georgia ShillibeerOpened 13 July 2026

Background

Extend Statutory Maternity Leave and Statutory Maternity Pay for mothers of twins, triplets and other multiple births. We believe maternity entitlements should reflect the additional care, financial costs and practical demands associated with raising multiples.

Additional details

Current maternity entitlements are based on the number of pregnancies, not the number of children born. A mother who has two singleton children may receive maternity leave and pay twice, while a mother who gives birth to twins receives only one period despite having two children. We believe maternity leave and pay should better reflect the number of children born and the additional financial and caregiving demands faced by families of multiples.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 773096.