Paid/Unpaid Maternity Leave

I'm trying to gain in site. I have a friend who believes women should receive paid maternity leave from the company. I, on the other hand, do not. My reasoning:

Why should the company have to pay for your leave? You were the ones who decided to have a child. You have months to prepare for a baby (if it was a surprise, more if you were planning(in her case)). She says having a baby put her in a bind financially.

I don't want to ask her what her reasons are, because I don't want to lose my friendship. Does anyone here believe maternity pay should be a thing? If so, what are your reasons?

***I think it needs to be made more clear. I DO think women should get maternity leave, I understand why it's important to both mother and child. I'm not asking for reasons why we should get maternity, but WHY the COMPANY should pay for it. ***