Maternity leave policies

In the United States, there is no national paid maternity leave policy. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. However, this law applies only to companies with 50 or more employees, and workers must have been employed for at least 12 months to qualify.

On average, new mothers in the U.S. take about 10 weeks of maternity leave. This period often includes approximately 10 days covered through paid sick leave and 12 days through paid personal time, with the remainder being unpaid. Many mothers cannot afford to forego a paycheck for the full 12 weeks allowed under FMLA, leading to shorter leave durations. (Source: Zero to Three)

New mothers in the U.S. face several challenges during the postpartum period. A study identified key issues such as the need for social support, breastfeeding difficulties, lack of education about newborn care after discharge, and the need for help with postpartum depression. (Source: PubMed) Additionally, balancing family and work responsibilities is a significant hurdle, as many mothers are expected to manage both roles simultaneously, often leading to stress and feelings of guilt. (Source: Peachey Counselling)

These challenges highlight the ongoing debate about improving maternity leave policies and support systems in the U.S. to better assist working mothers during this critical period.

This reality is not just difficult—it’s brutal, and frankly, unacceptable for a country that leads the world in economic power. How is it that the United States can set the standard in innovation, industry, and wealth, yet leave its mothers with no guaranteed paid leave? The message is clear: women are expected to sacrifice their well-being, their recovery, and their ability to bond with their newborns for the sake of an outdated system. But here’s the truth—change won’t happen unless we demand it. Knowledge is power, and the more women understand their rights, their worth, and the impact of this injustice, the more they can push back. We don’t have to accept this as ‘just the way things are.’ We can make noise. We can advocate for policy change. And we can refuse to let future generations of mothers face the same impossible choice between financial stability and caring for their children.

Explore maternity leave policies from around the world by clicking on the links above!