No Attribution for Infectious Diseases in Postpartum Care Centers Also Subject to Correction,
, Numerous postpartum care centers operating unfair terms, such as making refunds impossible after a certain period post-booking or imposing penalties for malicious reviews, were caught by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). Clauses absolving centers from liability even if infectious diseases occur were also pointed out.’,
, The FTC announced on the 24th that it reviewed the terms of use of 52 postpartum care centers and rectified five types of unfair clauses, including ‘imposing penalties and reducing business liability upon contract termination or cancellation.’,
, The investigation was prompted by accumulated consumer complaints despite the increasing usage rate of postpartum care centers. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the usage rate increased from 75.1% in 2018 to 85.5% last year, while preference decreased from 75.9% to 70.9%. From 2021 to June this year, there were a total of 1,440 complaints filed with the Korea Consumer Agency about postpartum care centers.’,
, The FTC found that 33 centers had clauses imposing penalty fees and reducing business liability upon contract termination or cancellation. Typical clauses included retaining the entire deposit if cancellation was requested within three months of the intended stay, or making refunds impossible if a user leaves before the default service period of 6 nights and 7 days.’,
, In cases where the reservation was canceled due to the postpartum care center’s fault, the centers typically only refunded the deposit without any further penalties, or refunded the remaining amount after deducting the usage period.’,
, The FTC deemed these clauses as placing an excessive burden on users or unduly reducing business liability and encouraged voluntary correction by the businesses.’,
, Clauses stating no liability if mothers or newborns contract infectious diseases while at the center were also subject to correction. Out of 52 places, 37 operated these unfavorable terms for consumers. The FTC found these clauses to be contradictory to the Mother and Child Health Act and the Terms and Conditions Act, and modified them so that the centers would be liable for damages if consumers present medical records and receipts.’,
, Clauses prohibiting the sharing of posts related to the center or imposing a 30% contract fee penalty for posting unfavorable facts about the center were also identified. The FTC ordered the deletion of these clauses, stating they excessively restrict consumers’ freedom of expression.’,
, Clauses that transferred responsibility onto customers in cases of loss or theft of personal belongings, regardless of fault, and those unclear on the criteria for billing alternative rooms were also corrected.’,
, The FTC stated, “This is part of consumer protection measures at varying life stages, following last year’s correction of wedding planning agency terms,” adding, “We will check the actual implementation of the corrected terms and encourage voluntary term improvement among small postpartum care centers as well.”