Maternity Leave in the U.S. We need to do better!

In the U.S., the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth. Key word being "up to". How is a parent supposed to bond with their newborn or newly adopted child in 12 weeks? The U.S. is unique among developed nations in not having a federal mandate for paid parental leave, leaving it to individual states and employers. Isn't it enough that our workforce drives its employees to the point of burnout, stress, hospitalization and whatever else that can cause a low producing employee. Have you ever wondered what other countries do for their expecting parents? Well, let me show you:

• Bulgaria - 58.6 weeks at 90% of pay

• Norway - Up to 59 weeks at 80% pay or 49 weeks at full pay

• Sweden - 480 days to be shared between parents at 80% pay

• UK - 52 weeks with 90% pay for the first 39 weeks

• Canada - 50 weeks of maternity leave at 55% of pay

• Estonia - over one year of paid leave

• Slovakia - 34 weeks at 75% of pay

• Croatia - 30 weeks at 100% pay

• Greece - 119 days at 100% pay

• United States - (Heavy sigh)

In conclusion, the short duration of maternity leave in the U.S. is a result of a combination of factors, including the lack of a national mandate, limited coverage under the FMLA, state-level variations, employer discretion, funding concerns, and political obstacles.