May 19, 2014 2 min read

The United States is one of just three countries in the world not to guarantee any paid maternity leave. Under current law, women can get 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Should the law be changed to include paid leave? Is this something government should get involved with, or should it be left to private businesses to offer paid or unpaid leave?

“It’s kind of an indirect way of punishing a couple for wanting a family.”

“Six weeks paid leave whether a birth or adoption …minimum.”

“Employer-paid leave programs (short-term disability) are purchased like insurance policies and are generally part of a person’s benefits package. In workplaces where they offered, the paid leave only applies when the woman actually delivers a child, in which case it is based on her “illness” and recovery and not necessarily time off to care for the newborn. Having to take off unpaid time to care for a baby is often a huge hardship on a family. It’s a basic human need and should be part of every insurance package.”

“If you are waiting on private business to do this, you’ll be waiting a long time. Heck, if you waited on private business for all the things that make our society civilized, we would still be working 65-80 hours a week, with next to no benefits and without basic workplace safety.”

“Yes, women should be paid for maternity leave. I also think that it is sad how some companies discriminate against women who are pregnant and get away with it.”