Paternity Privilege Law In Effect In Panama

Paternity Privilege Now Effective: Key Details on Law 238 Following Lifting of National Emergency

Law 238, of September 15, 2021, about the extension of the maternity privilege to the father (known as "paternity privilege"), comes into force as a result of the lifting of the National Emergency State declared during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 23, 2024, through Cabinet Decree No. 64, the Cabinet Council lifted the State of National Emergency. As a result of the lifting of the State of National Emergency, Law 439 of June 17, 2024, was published on July 25, 2024, which modified Article 7 of Law 238 of 2021 regarding paternity privilege, to make it effective since January 1, 2024.