Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will award maternity pay per baby instead of per pregnancy.

We want new mothers to be able to take time away from work in the later stages of their pregnancy and in the months following childbirth, in the interests of their own and their baby’s health and wellbeing.

Maternity pay is paid for each pregnancy, not in respect of each child as maternity pay is intended primarily as a health and safety provision for pregnant working women. It is not intended to replace a woman's earnings completely, nor is it intended to cover the cost of having a baby; rather, it provides a measure of financial security to help pregnant working women take time off work in the later stages of their pregnancy and in the months following childbirth.

All current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements are in scope of the Parental Leave and Pay Review. The review presents an opportunity to reset our approach and understanding of parental leave and pay and what we want the system to achieve, whilst giving due consideration to balancing costs and benefits to families, businesses and the Exchequer.