The Medical Society of Nova Scotia has set a precedent for medical associations in Canada and perhaps the US by providing maternity benefits for female members who have babies or adopt children. The program begins next year.
Society President Michael Riding says this type of coverage is long overdue and hopes other CMA divisions will follow suit. "The number of women coming out of medical school is growing and we know that governments across the country have concerns about keeping these young women in practice," says Riding. "They need to be encouraged to provide both primary and obstetrical care. I think we, as a society, have a duty and responsibility to help make this happen. Nobody can share childbearing with these women and I think special steps have to be taken to ensure that they don't have to postpone childbearing because they can't afford it."
He points out that doctors who give birth or adopt children face a significant loss of income. In many cases, this can amount to as much as $50 000 in lost income, as well as costs associated with locum coverage and overhead. Although details are not final, benefits will likely begin at the time of childbirth and will amount to $15 000 over a 17-week period. There will be no cost to participants; the society's benefit program makes it possible to set aside $500 000 a year to cover expences.
"It will mean mothers won't be forced to go back to work any more quickly than they would in almost any other kind of job," Riding says.
![Figure](https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/161/11/1381.3/F1.medium.gif)
Figure. Having a child can be expensive: Dr. Anita Palepu with her 11-week-old daughter, Saffrin