I was glad to see full maternity leave being given to unwed mothers; this is long overdue ("MPs welcome new pro-family measures" and "Welcome shift in tone as unwed mums are treated with empathy"; both published on Nov 11).

Most unwed mothers would like to be treated on a par with other mothers.

A case in point is the Working Mother's Child Relief, which is currently offered to working mothers who are married, widowed or divorced.

As most single mothers would need to work, shouldn't the Working Mother's Child Relief also be extended to unwed mothers?

As the analysis on Nov 14 ("A level field for all mums") points out, the number of unwed mothers is not large, so policymakers need not worry about opening the floodgates.

Single parenthood is not easy, and if policies can be harmonised for parity to benefit single parents, and, in turn, their children, this should be done.

Statutory benefits, such as the Baby Bonus, tax benefits and public housing entitlement, should be reviewed to take into account the changing social landscape.

Lynne Tan Sok Hiang (Ms)