The German government is planning to extend legal protections for freelance and self-employed mothers, with a potential implementation date in early 2026. Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Karin Prien, confirmed the intention to present a legislative proposal to parliament in the coming year, although the precise timeline and financial framework remain to be finalized.
Currently, self-employed women in Germany lack the statutory maternity protections afforded to employed individuals. A coalition agreement between the conservative and social democratic parties mandated a change to this disparity. The challenge lies in establishing a sustainable funding mechanism, as the existing system relies on employer contributions through a levy – a model that is not readily applicable to the self-employed population and would be financially burdensome if replicated.
Alongside these maternal protection reforms, Minister Prien also outlined plans to strengthen sanctions against individuals failing to meet their child support obligations. The aim is to introduce stricter penalties, potentially including driving bans, to enforce payment compliance. Preliminary legal assessments suggest that such measures are constitutionally sound. However, officials are also mindful of potential unintended consequences, ensuring any enforcement actions remain proportionate and do not inadvertently lead to job loss for the non-paying parent, thereby impeding their ability to fulfill their financial responsibilities. Further proposals regarding these enhanced sanctions are expected next year.