There are 164 countries in this world who offer paid maternity leave. There are four (4) countries in this world who do not.
Guess which one describes the United States? Yes, we are one of four countries out of 168 who do not guarantee paid maternity leave (or paternity leave) to our new parents.
So much for "family friendly", eh?
If that appalls you as much as it appalls me, go here and sign a petition so that congress understands that we think mothers and fathers and children should be valued in this country.
the birthrate in the united states does not seem to have been adversely affected by the lack of maternity leave. and if pharmacists balk at filling out birth control pill prescriptions and states outlaw abortion, then there won't be any reason whatsoever to offer maternity leave.
ReplyDeletewho are the other 3 countries?
ReplyDeleteMonica
Thanks for posting the petition link, Anita. I'm glad to sign it. There are many ways in which our current culture fails families. I hope that petitions like this change the tide.
ReplyDeletemaybe the other three countries are Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Congo???
ReplyDelete**just a lurker here**
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate in Canada to have a 52 week paid maternity leave. It really benefits the children and encourages mothers to breastfeed!
22 months later, my baby and I are still a nursing couple!
I did not know this-and yet we are one of the richest countries. shame shame. I like your blog.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this-and yet we are one of the richest countries. shame shame. I like your blog.
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