A bill under review in Congress expands fathers’ rights, guarantees job security, and brings positive impacts for families and businesses.
More time for fathers to dedicate to their newborns, a fairer sharing of caregiving responsibilities with mothers, and reduced stress in early parenthood—these are some of the benefits of expanding paternity leave in Brazil. This measure strengthens family bonds and promotes gender equality in the labor market.

The bill, approved by the Chamber of Deputies in July under an urgent procedure, extends paternity leave from five to 15 consecutive days. Final voting is expected in August. Under the proposal, the benefit is guaranteed without loss of salary or employment and can be requested by simply notifying the employer and providing the birth certificate. The rule also applies to adoptive fathers, regardless of the adopted child’s age.

Additionally, the bill provides for:

• Job stability for 30 days after the end of the leave;
• Automatic start of the leave on the first business day after vacation, if the birth occurs during the vacation period;
• Extension of vacation if the leave is requested during the vacation and fewer than 15 days remain.

For labor lawyer Mirella Pedrol Franco, head of the labor law division at Granito Boneli Advogados, the change marks a milestone.

“The increase in leave duration supports the well-being of the baby and the mother, encourages active paternal involvement, and contributes to gender equality in the workplace. It strengthens the right to shared parenting and promotes the cultural changes needed to achieve equity between men and women,” she says.

According to the expert, the positive impacts go beyond the family sphere.

“Fathers now have more time to participate in their child’s development from the earliest days of life, reinforcing active parenting. The extension reduces the historical gap between maternal and paternal leave, promoting gender equality. The measure also contributes to a more balanced work environment for men and women,” she points out.

In the business field, the lawyer acknowledges that adjustments may be needed, such as temporary hires or task redistribution to cover absences. However, she emphasizes that the negative effects are minimal and short-term, while the benefits are long-lasting.

“Companies are likely to improve talent retention and their institutional image, aligning themselves with more humanized and equitable policies, in line with recommendations from the International Labour Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Expanding paternity leave is a legal, social, and cultural advancement. In addition to benefiting children and families, it fosters a more inclusive and fair job market, aligning Brazil with global trends that value active fatherhood and gender equality,” she concludes.