S/O Maternity Leave- US compared to other countries. (PIP)

mrsjenni · July 2013

Since this was brought up yesterday, I thought I'd share a lovely little map that is sure to make your Sunday, US girls.

You can see it larger here. Awesome, right?

MindyBadger1 · July 2013

Pretty sad! I'm in the zero boat as well.

thelittlepear · July 2013

I feel bad for you ladies in the US, every time you talk about your mat leave... I am so greatfull that I get almost the full year off! The pay is somewhat limited though, so it's a little bit deceiving. However, at least I do get paid; something is definitely better than noting!!!

Jmattis · July 2013

I'm moving to Canada as well!!!!!

Jennifer4624 · July 2013

I truly appreciate living in Canada for this reason among others I also appreciate my employer who tops up my leave for the first 17 weeks. I can't believe the US is 0 I feel terrible for you ladies who will have to go back right away.

SvedkaStoli · July 2013

Yep, this is a shame on this nation. There is no other way to say it.

Deblondie1 · July 2013

Wow how sad.

aessary03 · July 2013

Y'all have to remember, too, that the government structures of the other countries are also way different. They are taxed more heavily to support a socialist economy, while the US is a capitalist country (however, making its way to socialist). That plays a huge part in this.

forevergraceful · July 2013

It is awful that the U.S. is so far behind when it comes to maternity/paternity care. The only reason why I get one year off after birth and 13 weeks off before birth is because I am a union worker and it is in our contract. I am so grateful that I have it.

gingerbabe · July 2013

aessary03:
Y'all have to remember, too, that the government structures of the other countries are also way different. They are taxed more heavily to support a socialist economy, while the US is a capitalist country however, making its way to socialist. That plays a huge part in this.nbsp;

Mobile thumbs up.

You ladies in other countries get more paid leave but also pay more taxes. It's a trade off. You can't have it all.

Paid maternity leave varies so much from company to company here in the US. A lot of working moms I know get 2 to 3 months paid in full leave.

ETA: I also wanted to mention, my H's job gives women 3 months paid maternity leave and men can take up to 3 months of unpaid paternity leave. So my husband saves a week or two of paid vacation for babies arrival, so that he doesn't have to take any time off without pay.

alinafed · July 2013

aessary03:
Y'all have to remember, too, that the government structures of the other countries are also way different. They are taxed more heavily to support a socialist economy, while the US is a capitalist country however, making its way to socialist. That plays a huge part in this.nbsp;

Canada is also capitalist albeit further leftleaning on the scale.
When I asked you ladies how much your income taxes were in the States it actually seemed pretty much the same as in Canada, I was surprised.

blue_elle · July 2013

Yeah, we aren't a very family friendly nation when it comes to employment. It's sad that we make women choose between nurturing their newborn during such an important time, or getting a paycheck and assurance they still have a job. Its almost like a punishment for women wanting to be allowed to be equal members of the working society.

Came across this is an article about US leave - ?All aspects of adult human capital, from workforce skills to cooperative and lawful behavior, build on capacities that are developed during childhood, beginning at birth,? states a 2007 report from the National Scientific Council Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

peanutmuse · July 2013

aessary03:
Y'all have to remember, too, that the government structures of the other countries are also way different. They are taxed more heavily to support a socialist economy, while the US is a capitalist country (however, making its way to socialist). That plays a huge part in this.

My perspective is that this is not a bad thing, it's a good thing. Then again, I am a lefty through and through.

nicholssquared · July 2013

Does anyone else in the US get "short term disability leave"? This is what my company does. It's provided by the company with no premium or co-insurance and it will provide 100% of pay for up to six weeks if you are "unable to work due to a medical reason," which having a baby qualifies as. It's not required in the US, so I'm very grateful to have six weeks paid, even if it's not 50 weeks paid.

Anyone else lucky enough to have this?

twobluelines · July 2013

To clarify we get 50 weeks on EI pay which maxes out at I think 55% of your salary or $400 dollars a week, which every is less. Your employer is required to hold your job for you for a year. I am very grateful for the leave, but it will make finances tight around our house. Also, i think when you factor in what Americans pay for insurance and deductibles as well as their income tax I am pretty sure we come out further ahead.

Want a personalized experience?

S/O Maternity Leave- US compared to other countries. (PIP)

Re: S/O Maternity Leave- US compared to other countries. (PIP)

Choose Another Board

Search Boards