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HERE'S WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT: New York Sen. Kerstin Gillibrand sponsored the Family Act, which would allow US families 12 weeks paid time off. In March 2015 the bill was assigned to a congressional committee to decide if it'll even go on to the House or Senate. If you want change to happen, contact your representative. Google your state's rep. Many have simple online forms. Tell them we want to catch up with the rest of the world!
Freaking U.S. And no paid maternity leave
I'm just so annoyed that the US is behind so many (most) other countries in terms of how mothers are treated. They make it to where both parents have to work, but eff you if you want to spend time with that baby! Not paid! And not very long. If you've been with your company for a year, you might qualify for FMLA, but still... UNPAID. I'm really fed up with how this country legislates things that have to do with women. Get your damn nose out of my vagina, and give a lengthy paid maternity leave!!!! End rant.
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Some rather shocking comments on here, to be honest. You are all okay with being at the bottom of this graph? That women should just suck it up, save, and deal with it? I'm glad there are women who aren't complacent with the sham that is the federal maternity leave system like OP is. And yes, I saved every ounce of PTO and sick time possible, as well as 3 full months' worth of bills and then some for this baby, so I know how to play the game. But I know that my circumstances are also ideal, not necessarily the norm, and MANY women will struggle because they have no paid maternity leave.
Mr
I'm moving to Estonia! lol
Mi
It's an interesting graph to see the difference, but Australia (although sadly temporarily if the govt gets its way) has an ok system that has allowed me to take 14 months paid (at min wage or my half pay) leave. But I do feel for everyone that's not as fortunate.
Br
Love this graph! All women in every country deserve to have time with there babies! And be able to go back to there job! The graph is shocking for Americans! A first world country!
In Sweden the PARENTAL leave is 480 days with 80% of your pay. 60 days is set aside for the mother and 60 for the father. The rest you can divide between the parents how ou want (until the child is 12) but the more equal you divide it the more money you get. Sweden is awesome.
Ke
Well I might just hop on over to Sweden although Canada's pretty okay
SS
That's amazing, quality of life in Sweden is another level!
Ha
the six hour workday is a government experiment :) I don't see it moving to the private sector any time soon. Work life balance and time for your family really is prioritised here.
The number of you American ladies just putting up with it and saying 'save for it before you have your baby' is just weird to me. Surely there's lots of savings to be made before a new family member comes in anyway, including clothes furniture, nappies etc. what if you do not have sick days saved up and something goes wrong- you shouldn't have to go to work while still bleeding just because your country doesn't take care of it's mothers. Or if you have your baby prematurely, do you use those days now when they are really vulnerable or when they leave the hospital? A mother of a newborn child shouldn't make that sort of decision at such a vulnerable moment in their lives. Especially considering that the baby is a future taxpayer, they should be taken care of. I'd rather my tax money funded mothers than wars in a far away country....It's beyond me that somebody takes it as a norm and accepts it...
Iz
Women didn't work in public sphere back in the day, a lot of them were not even aloud to work. It just proves that our society is made by men for men
Dr
I'm not going not have kids just because my government sucks. That's just even more unfairness heaped onto me.
Dr
Okay so what do you suppose we do otherwise? Just not have babies? If we were accepting it you wouldn't hear about it. But your hearing about it because we're speaking up, which believe me, someday will make a difference. But in the meantime, I
It's funny how so many people seem to be assuming the OP doesn't have the money saved or can't afford a baby. She's just complaining about how our government / society claims to be all about "family values" and then doesn't actually do much to support families.
Sa
Thank you. I'm actually blessed to have a healthy savings account and my husband has a great job. But even we are worried. It's just something that needs to be changed.
I'm from Canada and we get a year paid! And I honestly love every minute of it! Glad to live in a country that respects the importance of that first year!
Ja
It's terrible what they do here! I don't get it! That's when feminism needs to come into play. Not whatever the hell they're complaining about stupid crap like men shaming. Ugh
Ca
AND the father can take paternity leave of the mother decides to go to work .
As
We don't exactly get a year fully paid. We do get paid a percentage of salary and a year to be out of work. It is incredible to be sure, but not a given that everyone takes the year, as it means a loss of income.
To be honest, you decide to get pregnant and have a baby. You should set money aside to cover time off work. Why should other people have to pay for you to not work and look after a baby?
DH
This is the most ignorant comments I've read. YOU might not want children but it is necessary for women to have children and they shouldn't be punished for doing so.
Sh
We are our own worst enemies! The US is just full of self righteous assholes men and women.
An
Jenna - thanks for the words of wisdom! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 sick is the society that doesn't realize that children and mothers are their biggest asset that needs to be supported and respected
Let's Glow!
Achieve your health goals from period to parenting.
