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<p>Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), and Maternity Allowance (MA), are paid to women
to replace earnings to help them take time off work before and after their baby is
born. They are primarily paid in the interests of women and their babies’ health and
wellbeing. It would not therefore be appropriate to extend maternity benefits to adopting
parents.</p><p> </p><p>Statutory Adoption Pay is available for employees who take
time off to adopt a child. Prospective adopters and children they intend to adopt
are also entitled to an assessment of their family’s needs. This includes a range
of support including discretionary means-tested financial support, advice, information,
counselling, and support services.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p>
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