It has been long established that the first few months of a newborn’s life are important for the infant’s development and the building of relationships between parents and child. During this time, many babies begin breastfeeding, physically grow, and form attachments to their parents or caregivers. They respond to familiar people and their voices, hence why it is so crucial that parents are present, especially during the beginning of their baby’s life. It is also shown that physical contact is beneficial to infant development, as well as talking to and spending time with the baby. For these reasons, parental leave is necessary for new parents to care for their children. Parental leave is defined as excused time off from work to care for a new infant with the intent to return. Moreover, it allows for those giving birth to recover from the physical and mental toll pregnancy and birth create. Furthermore, parental leave can ease the transition into family life with the addition of an infant. Oftentimes this adjustment period from pregnancy to postpartum can be tumultuous and tiring; leave from work can help parents better settle into their new roles.

Every country has its own regulations regarding how long parents can take off from work and in what circumstances parents qualify for leave, among other things. To take a closer look at the similarities and differences, below are some cases from across the globe.

canada

One common distinction many countries make is the difference between maternity leave and parental leave. In Canada, new mothers are guaranteed 17 weeks of maternity leave. This time can begin anytime from 13 weeks before the estimated date of birth and must end by 17 weeks after the actual date of birth. Mothers must provide proof of pregnancy to their employer and give written notice four weeks before the beginning of their leave.

In contrast, parental leave can apply to any parent, including adoptive ones. Parents may take up to 63 weeks total of parental leave and this may increase if both parents take leave and/or maternity leave is also taken. This is to say that maternity leave is not included within paternity leave and the duration of each does not overlap should a parent take both.

While neither maternity nor parental leave is paid in Canada, the government does provide benefits for new parents. Notably, the province of Quebec has its own laws regarding such, for instance setting a maximum of 70% of a parent’s average weekly earnings for benefits. Throughout the majority of the country though, mothers can receive benefits for up to 15 weeks at a 55% benefit rate (she could receive 55% of her usual salary per week) or a maximum of $650 a week. For those on parental leave, a family can receive benefits for up to 40 weeks between both parents at the same rate or for up to 69 weeks at a 33% benefit rate or a maximum of $390 a week.

chile

In Chile, mothers are guaranteed 24 weeks of postnatal rest with additional parental leave after. These two leaves do not overlap, similarly to Canada. Another option for new mothers is 12 weeks of complete leave with 18 weeks following that are part-time.

Parental leave in Chile is guaranteed for 12 weeks total. This time can be split between both parents or taken by only one. However, a maximum of 6 weeks can be given to fathers. Mothers may also opt to do 12 more weeks of part-time work if that mode suits them better. Chilean parents also receive subsidies from the government like Canadians do, however, if parents opt for one of the part-time models, then this decreases to 50% benefits.

germany

In order to be eligible for maternity leave in Germany, mothers are required to be employed for at least one year before their expected due date, and they must have paid into the German social security system for at least 90 days of the last year. It extends to self-employed women as well, they just have to apply for social security. It lasts for 14 weeks, which may begin from as early as 6 weeks before the expected due date and must start by one day after the birth of the child. New mothers are legally mandated to take 6 weeks off from work after giving birth and 2 extra weeks may be added for each additional child in the birth (in the case of twins or triplets, for instance). Mothers may also receive extensions for premature/disabled babies.

In regards to parental leave, fathers may take leave as soon as the child is born and parents have the right to take leave until the child turns 3. A year of parental leave can be transferred to be used when the child is between the ages of 3 and 9 as well. Similarly to Chile and Canada, parental leave may also be divided between two parents or given to only one. It should be noted that despite these efforts to provide fathers with time off, women are still shown to take leave more often on average; a quarter of all mothers with a youngest child under 6 take leave as opposed to under 2% of fathers in the same situation.

German parents receive an allowance from their health insurance while on leave. It is meant to replace a portion of the mother’s income, just like in Chile and Canada, and totals a maximum of €1,800 a month. These benefits are tax-free and go directly into the mother’s bank account for use.

japan

In Japan, mothers are guaranteed maternity leave from 6 weeks prior to their expected due date until 8 weeks after the birth of their child. These 8 weeks postpartum are required so the new mother may rest and recover, hence they must be approved by a doctor should they wish to return to work early. This is similar to German laws that also mandate a period of time off post-birth.

Like the other cases explored in this article, Japan separates maternity and parental leave so parents may take more time off after the prescribed 8 weeks. This may last until the child turns one. New fathers can begin their leave any time after the birth date until their child turns 3. Moreover, parents can take leave and return to work a total of 3 times with the one caveat that the duration of time off should not exceed one year total (per parent). Notably, these laws reflect more recent changes made by the Japanese government in efforts to encourage the population to have more kids to counteract the decline of their population.

Also similar to the other countries on this list, Japanese parents are eligible for benefits at 67% of their original salary for the first 6 months, and then 50% of that for the rest of their leave. This greatly aids new families and eases the financial transition into life as parents.

The aforementioned countries all demonstrate fairly high standards of maternity and parental leave. They offer benefits for new parents and ample time to bond and nurture relationships between families and their new babies. This is not representative of all countries though, and there are many places that don’t ensure such provisions. For instance, the United States does not require paid parental leave, though some employers offer it as a “perk” for their employees.

It’s evident that parental leave is essential for new families. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t always reflect this everywhere. In a world that seems increasingly absorbed with profit margins and productivity, there appears to be a trend toward the devaluation of individual health and well-being. This is regressive and harmful. We must reprioritize and center focus on people and well-being again, as opposed to working and making more money for companies.