children ~p to 6 years of age and of pupils of grades 1 to 4 (aged 6 to 10-years) dur~ng p8rents1 daily work hours has created 2n e~sential crereauisite for the co~bination of . ' vocational or professional careers and motherhood. ~orking hours for mothers having two or more children have been reduced to a weekly total of 40 hours without loss of pay. Paid preg-- 9 - nancy and aaternity leave ~cs extended in 1972 from 12 to 18 weeks, and again in 1976 from 18 to 26 ~eeks. Since 1972 a standard maternity grant of 1,000 Marks has been poid for every nei·,-born child. After the birth of a second or a subsequent child mothers may ask for p8id_leave up to the child's first anniversar~, while retaining their job·and all rights pertaining thereto. Among the social policy measures designed to improve the working and living conditions of both women and all other GDR citizens count also favourable interest-f re_e loans for young _couples, extensive social and· financial assistance granted to families or single_parents having several·children, an increase in pensions for those of retirement age, inproved health care in residential areas and enterprises, and broader opportunities for cultural and sports activities. To those ~eosures adds the continuous extension of the services network noticeably facilitating the situation of working women. All those social policy measures are an expression of the particular respect and care of the socialist society for women, which also include health care: Outpatient facilities for basic gynaecological care have been developed on a priority basis. In this area there is one·gynaecologist for every 8,000 women and girls over 15 years. Advanced health care facilities at enterprises comprising various types of outpatient departments, carry priraarily fo~ ths early detect!on of cancer. Ne~ rules concsrning prenatal care, maternal advisory services and 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the social and labor policies implemented in the GDR (German Democratic Republic) to support working mothers and improve their quality of life. The measures described aim to balance family and work responsibilities, promote women's well-being, and provide essential services such as healthcare and education.

**Category**
Health, Employment