Why can't we have paid Maternity Leave?

Question

Is anyone else mad that we don't get paid maternity leave? This is my third baby and both times my husband and I have chosen to leave one of our careers to care for our baby rather than use day care. We are fortunate to have family to take us in to save on housing but...we are so tired of that choice: baby or job? I'm a teacher and my supervisors are not sympathetic about my desire to take 11 weeks and then requesting breaks for pumping upon my return. What an uphill battle!

Answer

I think the system in the US is a disgrace.  From the outside looking in it seems like an awful lot of the population are incredibly selfish and only concerned about the money in their back pocket and paying as little tax as possible rather than thinking about what's in the best interests of the population as a whole. I suppose I grew up in a social democracy and have different values, but I really can't understand the US.

Answer

Oh that's really bad, in my country we have one year of 100% paid maternity leave and if needed 100% leave during pregnancy and you cannot get fired. For third child you have two years of maternity leave. There's cases where these laws are violated of course, but still it's good to know you have this kind of support from the state.

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Vote democrat if you care.

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My company offers paid maternity leave, we get 6 weeks maternity then 9 weeks for bonding that can be taken all at once or over the course of 1 year from birth.

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Sorry to hear of the maternity issues in the states. I wish it would be a bigger election issue as I find the way pregnant women are treated in the states awful, and it's part of a much bigger picture that needs to be addressed. If I was American, I would vote for Bernie :)

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The us is a joke for supporting mothers. Here in uk I get 22 weeks full pay and then help for 19 weeks off government. Come live over here with us!x

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I'm in the UK I get 12 months maternity leave. The first 12 weeks on full pay the next 12 on half pay and I get statutory pay for 21 weeks.  I'm so so grateful for this and feel so lucky.

I feel so sorry for you ladies that don't get anything I think it's a disgrace, I really hope you manage to get quality time with your baby without suffering too much financially

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We have the worst maternity leave if ANY first world country. It's ridiculous. I have short and long term disability so I will at least get 60% of my salary for 12 Weeks.

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There's no such thing as free. Would you be willing to make less money so a company could afford paid maternity? I'm fine with it since having a child is a choice and I was willing to save and plan.

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My husband works for the fed govt here in the states and he's taking leave via FMLA. There was a bill in the House of Reps for fed employees (both mother and fathers) to have at least 6 weeks paid leave. However, it's being shot down by certain politicians as not being necessary and a waste of money. So....FMLA it is then.

Why can't we have paid Maternity Leave?

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