Which Developed Countries Don’T Offer Paid Maternity Leave?

In six countries, maternity leave is mandatory for all available paid leave related to the birth or care of a child. Out of 193 countries in the United Nations, only a small handful do not have a national paid parental leave law: New Guinea. The US is the only rich nation offering no national paid parental-leave program and is one of nine OECD countries that have no leave policies in place for fathers.

More than 120 countries around the world provide paid maternity leave and health benefits by law, including most industrialized nations except Australia. OECD countries generally provide three types of parental leave benefits: maternity, paternity, and parental leave. Currently, 37 out of 38 OECD countries offer paid maternity leave to new parents.

On the other hand, five countries offer no federal compensation guarantees for maternity leave. The US is the only one of 41 nations that does not mandate any paid leave for new parents. Countries with no maternity leave include Papua New Guinea, Suriname, Micronesia, The Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau Tonga, and the United States.

The US is the only industrialized, modernized country that does not already have a paid family medical leave program in place. Out of 193 countries in the United Nations, only a small handful do not have a national paid parental leave law: New Guinea, Suriname, a few South Pacific countries, and the United States.


📹 Maternity Leave and Why the United States is the Only Developed Nation Without It

The United States and Papua New Guinea are the only two countries in the world that do not guarantee paid maternity leave.


What is the best European country to have a baby?

Sweden, along with other Scandinavian nations, is a top choice for raising a family due to its high English fluency rate, making it easy for English-speaking families to travel safely. The capital, Stockholm, has a simple metro system that is suitable for strollers, making navigating transit and cobblestone streets a breeze. Additionally, Sweden is home to numerous science museums, including the Universeum in Gothenburg, making it an ideal destination for families with a love for science.

How long is maternity leave in Norway?

Parents are entitled to 12 months of leave following a birth, including 12 weeks of leave for the mother during pregnancy and 6 weeks for the mother after birth. Each parent is also entitled to 1 year of leave for each birth, which must be taken immediately after the first year of leave. The Working Environment Act only regulates leave entitlement from work, not parental benefit payments. For more information on parental leave and application procedures, visit the relevant page.

Is maternity leave paid in Spain?

Spain’s parental leave legislation is designed to promote equality, offering fully paid maternity and paternity leave for the same duration and in cases of birth, adoption, and long-term foster care. The benefits commence upon the arrival of the infant into the family unit and encompass both remunerated and unremunerated leave, flexible time off, and adjusted working schedules that extend into the period of the child’s early years.

Is maternity leave paid in Germany?

Maternity allowance is paid six weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth, including six weeks for premature and multiple births, and eight weeks for disabled children within eight weeks of childbirth. Post-natal coverage is extended by the number of days earlier than the due date for premature births. Eligibility requirements include pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnant women can apply for benefits by obtaining a maternity certificate from their doctor, which includes information about medical examinations. Adult education centers and health insurance companies offer free courses to prepare expectant mothers and fathers for the birth, providing tips on pregnancy, birth, and their rights and obligations.

Is maternity leave paid in Poland?

The Polish labor law provides 20 weeks of paid maternity leave, 32 weeks of parental leave, 2 weeks of paternity leave, and 36 months of unpaid childcare leave. The majority of parental leave is taken by mothers, with only one father using their right in 2022. Fathers do not have an individual right to parental leave, but their right depends on the mother’s employment status. The uptake of paternity leave is 56. The changes were implemented after the work-life balance directive in Poland.

How long is maternity leave in Finland?

Maternity leave can be taken 30-50 working days or 5-8 weeks before the due date, with mothers receiving 105 working days. Special maternity allowances can be applied for earlier if work involves risk factors. Parental allowance is paid for 158 days after the maternity allowance period, and both parents can take partial parental leave. Paternity allowance is paid to the father for a maximum of 54 working days, partly overlapping with the mother’s allowance days. Allowances must be used before the child reaches two years old.

Which EU country has the best maternity leave?

New parents face challenges such as sleep deprivation and managing a household while caring for a newborn. Maternity and paternity leave provide an option for working parents to take paid leave during the first weeks or months of their child’s life. Employers must understand the rights of new parents and ensure that they are given the necessary time off while still managing their finances. Countries with the best maternity and paternity leave include Poland, Spain, Norway, and the Netherlands.

How long is maternity leave in Switzerland?

Maternity leave is granted for a period of 14 weeks, with a benefit of 80 percent of earnings, but no more than CHF 220 per day. In some cases, more generous arrangements may be provided by cantonal provisions, personnel regulations, and collective employment contracts.

How long is paid maternity leave in Germany?

Germany offers a generous 14-week maternity leave, starting up to six weeks before the expected birth date and ending the day after. This leave is one of the most generous in the world. After the mandatory eight weeks of leave, parents can extend their leave by applying for parental leave (Elternzeit), which allows them to care for their children until they are three years old. This leave is unpaid but can be rewarded with parental allowance (Elterngeld). Germany offers a longer period of paid maternity leave compared to other countries, with an average duration of 12 weeks.

What country has the lowest maternity leave?

The US provides fewer maternity leave protections than any other industrialized nation, with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requiring employers with 50 or more employees to offer a minimum of 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave annually. However, federal law treats parental leave as a supplemental benefit, leaving specific conditions up to employers. Several US states offer additional maternity leave protections.

Why doesn't America have paid maternity leave?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why doesn’t America have paid maternity leave?

The US lacks a federal paid maternity and family leave act, but some states, like California, New Jersey, and New York, have introduced paid leave legislation for family members. This could lead to higher job security for women, reduced public assistance needs, reduced employer costs, and economic growth. Paid family leave has been shown to improve family health by lowering infant mortality rates and allow low-income families to care for their family members without sacrificing time and money. However, the US remains behind in terms of maternity leave legislation compared to other countries.

Many states have supplemented federal regulations with more extensive maternity leave benefits, including paid or flexible sick time, access for workers in smaller companies, right to pump, and pregnancy accommodations. As of 2016, 12 states have enacted no additional laws or programs to support family leave before or after birth. Fourteen states, along with the District of Columbia, have lowered the firm-size threshold from 50 or more employees to as low as 10 employees, while seven states have adopted more generous maternity leave lengths for child-rearing purposes. Some states have also enacted legislation enhancing the benefits of leave programs.


📹 Paid Leave In The US vs. The World – Cheddar Explains

The United States is one of the only nations to not guarantee paid leave. – for parents, for illness, for caregiving, nothing at all.


Which Developed Countries Don'T Offer Paid Maternity Leave?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

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