"Former Labour Minister's Advisor Calls for Intervention by CPCJ in Instances of Mothers Nursing Past the Two-Year Mark"
In a recent development, Elsa Gomes, the deputy director of the National Pensions Center at the Social Security Institute, has found herself at the centre of a controversy surrounding changes to the Labor Law, with a focus on breastfeeding leave.
The Government, at the end of last month, approved changes to the Labor Law, including breastfeeding leave. However, no data has been presented by the Government to support these changes, and there are concerns about the potential impact on working mothers.
Gomes, who previously served as a technical advisor to Minister Maria do Rosário Ramalho, has spoken out in defence of the Government's stance. She criticised the media for conducting the debate on labor changes "on the left," implying a bias in the coverage.
The controversy deepened when Gomes suggested that breastfeeding after two years should require intervention from the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth (CPCJ). This proposal has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it could potentially infringe on the rights of working mothers.
In a move that has further fuelled the controversy, the Government wants to set a time limit for breastfeeding at two years and require a medical certificate every six months. This proposal has raised questions about the practicality and necessity of such a requirement.
Gomes' comments on social media, particularly on LinkedIn, have been met with criticism. She has reiterated her stance, stating that prolonged breastfeeding beyond two years does not exist in reality.
The Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) has no record of workers who have abused breastfeeding leave. However, Minister Maria do Rosário Ramalho has accused some workers of abusing the leave. It's unclear what evidence, if any, the Government has to support these allegations.
Gomes will be part of a new working group that will propose revisions to Social Security rules. This move has raised concerns about her influence on the proposed revisions, given her controversial comments on breastfeeding leave.
The news about Gomes' comments and appointments was reported by Expresso, with the controversy continuing to dominate headlines. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact, if any, Gomes' comments will have on the proposed changes to the Labor Law.
- The debate on the changes to the Labor Law, including breastfeeding leave, has expanded to include the role of science and health-and-wellness, as concerns about the potential impact on working mothers and rights infringement have arisen.
- The discussion about breastfeeding policies has also highlighted the intersection of politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news, as ministers, advisors, and media outlets progressively voice their opinions on the matter.
- With the controversy surrounding Elsa Gomes' controversial comments and potential influence on Social Security revisions, it is essential for policymakers to carefully consider the evidence-based policies that promote the health and well-being of working mothers.
