Dismissal for absence during pregnancy: employers cannot dismiss or worsen terms; benefits preserved unless for prescribed gross misconduct. Employers are prohibited from dismissing a woman for absences taken under the maternity provisions, from timing notices to expire during such absence, or from worsening her service conditions; maternity benefit or medical bonus remains payable despite dismissal unless a written order deprives her of those benefits for prescribed gross misconduct. Affected women may appeal such deprivation or dismissal to the competent authority within sixty days, and that authority's decision is final.