What Laws Govern Paternity And Maternity Leave In Other Nations?

Maternity leave is the time a mother takes off from work following the birth of her baby, typically measured in weeks. Many employers also offer leave for the father, typically referred to as paternity leave. In 20 of 41 countries, the majority of all paid leave available is allocated for maternity leave. In six countries – Canada, Israel, Slovakia, Switzerland, Costa Rica and New Zealand – maternity leave accounts for all.

Working parents today in more affluent countries are often entitled to a range of different types of leave, covering the most common provisions: maternity, paternity and parental leaves; sick leave. To ensure compliance, employers must keep up-to-date with each country’s maternity leave laws. Here are some examples of maternity leave by country around the world:

Estonia has a new law that provides for 60 to 100 days’ leave for mothers, while Spain allows new fathers to take up to 12 weeks of paid paternity leave. In the Netherlands, they can take six weeks.

In some countries, such as Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden, there is no separate regulation for (paid) maternity leave. Paternity leave is paid in 70 countries (89%) out of 78 where there is entitlement. Employer liability is prevalent in 45 countries.

Currently, 119 countries meet the ILO standard of 12 weeks, with 62 of those countries providing for 14 weeks or more. Just 31 countries mandate paternity leave. For mothers, a new law will enter into force on 1 April 2022 and provide for leave of 60-100 days; the rest (40 days) will be added to parental leave.

How Long Is Paternity Leave In Other Countries?

As of 2022, 63 countries worldwide provide paid paternity leave for fathers. Of these, 71 countries offer less than 3 weeks, 6 countries provide 3–13. 9 weeks, 5 countries grant 14–25. 9 weeks, and 41 countries allow 26 or more weeks of leave. Lithuania stands out, offering at least 30 days of leave, which can be shared between parents, with compensation at 80% of the employee's annual salary. A notable 185 countries ensure paid maternity leave, with 106 granting at least 14 weeks.

The longest paid paternity leave is found in South Korea at 52. 6 weeks. In the OECD, paid maternity leave averages 18. 5 weeks, with variations ranging from none in the U. S. to 43 weeks in Greece. Paternity leave varies significantly based on country and employer policies; 27 out of 38 OECD countries provide such leave. As of January 1, 2024, Singapore will allow fathers four weeks of government-paid paternity leave. Countries with the best paternity leave include Japan (365 days), Iceland (180 days), and Finland (160 days), while global averages show paternity leave typically lasting around 1. 98 weeks.

How Many Countries Have Paid Parental Leave?

Over 120 countries worldwide provide paid maternity leave, and among 41 examined nations, only the United States lacks any form of paid parental leave. According to the International Labor Organization and Pew Research Center, 28 out of 38 OECD countries offer paid leave following maternity or paternity leave. While the majority of paid parental leave is designated for mothers, 34 of the 41 countries provide some form of leave for fathers. For example, Lithuania offers fathers up to 30 weeks of leave.

On average, OECD countries grant 18. 5 weeks of paid maternity leave, with variability; Greece offers the most at 43 weeks, contrasting sharply with the U. S., where statutory leave is nonexistent. Only a handful of countries lack national paid parental leave laws, including New Guinea and Suriname. Notably, paid maternity leave benefits both parents and children, with UNICEF advocating for six months of statutory paid leave. Despite public support for such policies in the U.

S., it remains one of six countries globally without a paid parental leave system. In total, 141 countries provide some form of maternity leave, with many nations offering substantial paid benefits, such as China’s 14 weeks at full pay and Italy’s 20 weeks at 80% pay.

Why Is The US So Behind On Maternity Leave?

The U. S. is notably the only wealthy nation without a national program mandating paid parental leave, with its landscape shaped by complex historical and cultural factors. For years, public support for paid parental leave has remained consistent across the political spectrum, yet fewer employers are offering it. Although many organizations expanded leave policies during the pandemic, they are now scaling back. Post-World War II attitudes towards individualism and self-determination contribute to the U.

S. being an outlier among OECD countries, where only nine have no leave policies for fathers, and the U. S. lacks a mandatory paid maternity leave framework. Currently, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible parents, but without federal mandates for paid leave, access remains limited. Some states have initiated their own regulations for paid maternity leave, addressing aspects like temporary disability for new mothers.

The lack of paid leave impacts infant health, breastfeeding rates, and maternal well-being. Research suggests that paid family leave is crucial for caregiving and promotes positive health outcomes. As Congress debates possible paid leave initiatives, the stark contrast between the U. S. and global standards highlights the need for comprehensive family support policies in the nation.

How Do Other Countries Handle Maternity Leave?

Many countries provide paid maternity leave as part of their social security systems, with most having statutory rights mandated by the government. As of April 2022, nearly all OECD countries, except the U. S., offer paid maternity and paternity leave around childbirth; however, policies vary significantly in terms of duration, payment, and uptake. For instance, higher-income nations like New Zealand, Iceland, and Ireland offer around six months (26 weeks) of leave while regions like Africa and the Middle East have shorter durations. Understanding these averages helps employers align their policies with international standards.

Currently, 119 countries meet the ILO's standard of 12 weeks of maternity leave, with 62 providing 14 weeks or more. Conversely, only 31 countries mandate less than 12 weeks. Leave notice requirements differ globally. For example, mothers in China receive 14 weeks at full pay, while Italy offers 20 weeks at 80% pay, and Saudi Arabia provides 10 weeks at full pay. Additionally, 63 countries offer parental leave, typically shorter than maternity leave.

The varying policies reflect different taxation systems and social support priorities, highlighting the complexities and considerations surrounding maternity leave across the globe. Overall, the landscape reveals diverse approaches to supporting new mothers.

How Many Countries Have No Paid Maternity Leave?

Only seven countries globally do not provide paid maternity leave, with the United States being a notable example. Unlike most nations, the U. S. lacks federal legislation mandating maternity, paternity, or parental leave for new parents, whether for childbirth, adoption, or foster care. Although many countries have established minimum weeks of paid leave, such as Estonia's 20 weeks of fully paid maternity leave followed by 62 weeks of optional parental leave, the U.

S. stands alone as the only country among 41 others that does not require any paid leave. Out of 193 United Nations member states, only a few, including Papua New Guinea, Suriname, and several Pacific island nations, similarly lack national paid parental leave laws. While 33 out of 34 OECD countries guarantee paid leave for mothers, the U. S. offers no such provisions. Across the globe, only seven countries—including the U.

S., the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea—have no requirement for paid maternity leave. This highlights a significant gap in parental leave policies, especially in the world's largest economy, where only 11 states offer any paid maternity leave.

Is There A Global Maternity Leave Policy?

Convention No. 183 specifies a minimum maternity leave of 14 weeks, with Recommendation No. 191 recommending at least 18 weeks. According to a report from the International Labour Office (ILO), over 120 countries, predominantly industrialized nations, legally provide paid maternity leave. Notably, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States do not offer such benefits. Among Latin American countries, Chile, Costa Rica, and Colombia excel in maternity leave policies, while Mexico provides 12 weeks of full pay. Globally, many countries regulate maternity leave by law, with numerous government-funded programs, allowing employers to enhance these provisions if desired.

The ILO's comparative analysis covers 185 countries, highlighting the global average maternity leave duration of 16. 3 weeks. A significant 78. 9% of nations offer 10 to 20 weeks, while 9. 2% provide 26 weeks or more. Conversely, the U. S., despite its wealth, is among the few countries lacking paid family leave for new parents. With 141 countries offering maternity leave and 41 providing paid benefits, the ILO sets a minimum standard of 14 weeks paid leave, which the U.

S. does not meet under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), offering only 12 weeks of unpaid time. Understanding these policies is crucial for companies hiring globally to support their employees effectively.

What Countries Give 1 Year Maternity Leave?

Bulgaria boasts the longest maternity leave at 410 days with 90% pay, making it the top country for maternity leave. Other notable countries include Norway, offering 343 days at 100% pay; the UK with 273 days at 90% pay; and Sweden, which provides 390 days at 80% pay. Many countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, have much shorter durations—Qatar and Tunisia average just 4 to 5 weeks. The US is unique among developed nations, as it offers no national paid maternity leave, with provisions varying by employment tenure.

In Estonia, mothers can take 86 weeks total, including 20 weeks fully paid. A comprehensive review shows over 120 countries offer paid maternity leave, with most OECD countries averaging 18. 5 weeks. Other countries like Canada, Germany, and India also have specific maternity provisions, allowing for varying lengths and pay rates. Highlighting the importance of paid leave, countries differ notably in their support for new parents with unpaid portions common among many global policies. Ultimately, Bulgaria stands out not only for length but also for the pay rate, reinforcing its position as a leader in maternity leave benefits globally.

Which Countries Provide Zero Paid Maternity And Paternity Leave?

The United States stands out as the only OECD country that does not offer any paid maternity, paternity, or parental leave. As a result, any paid parental leave in the U. S. relies solely on employer benefits or the employee's personal or sick leave. The U. S. mandates a minimum of zero weeks for paid maternity leave, placing it at a disadvantage compared to other OECD countries, where 37 out of 38 offer paid maternity leave. Additionally, a significant portion of paid leave in many nations is designated for maternity leave, with countries like Canada, Israel, and New Zealand providing extensive paid leave options.

Overall, while many countries guarantee a minimum of 14 weeks of paid leave for mothers, the U. S. provides none, making it one of only seven nations globally without a national paid parental leave law. With research indicating the positive impacts of paid parental leave on families and society, there is considerable support for such policies in the U. S. However, as of April 2022, almost all OECD countries offer paid maternity and paternity leave, underscoring the stark contrast with U. S. practices. Thus, American workers face significant challenges regarding parental leave entitlements compared to their international counterparts.

How Is Maternity Leave In The US Compared To Other Countries?

The international standard for maternity leave is 14 weeks, but the U. S. falls short with only 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This positions the U. S. among just eight countries worldwide that do not provide guaranteed paid maternity leave. Unlike other nations, the U. S. lacks a statutory minimum for maternity leave, leaving many new mothers without sufficient support; about 72% of new moms work full-time.

Furthermore, the U. S. is uniquely the only one of 41 countries that does not require any paid leave for new parents and stands out as one of six nations without national paid leave. Despite proposals, the Democrats have reduced their family leave plan to merely four weeks, still inadequate compared to global standards. In short, the U. S. offers fewer maternity leave protections than any industrialized nation, making it the only wealthy country lacking guaranteed paid parental leave at the national level, a significant gap in support for new families.

Does The World Provide Paid Maternity Leave?

The United States stands out as the only high-income country that does not provide paid maternity leave, contrasting sharply with over 120 countries worldwide that do offer it, alongside considerable paid paternity leave. According to a report by the International Labour Office (ILO), most industrialized nations have established legal frameworks for paid maternity leave, leaving only a few countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the U. S., lacking such provisions.

Among 41 countries studied, a significant portion designates the majority of paid leave for maternity purposes, with countries like Canada and Switzerland allocating full maternity leave. Conversely, as one of the wealthiest countries, the U. S. fails to provide any paid family leave to new parents, despite substantial evidence indicating the advantages for families and society that accompany such policies. Public support for paid parental leave in the U.

S. is widespread. In stark contrast to global standards, which typically guarantee a minimum of six weeks of paid maternity leave with an average of 18 weeks, the U. S. lacks comparable benefits, with only seven nations in total failing to mandate any paid leave. Paid maternity leave is typically funded through social security or employer contributions in many countries, highlighting a significant disparity in support for new parents in the U. S. versus international norms.

What Country Has The Best Maternity And Paternity Leave?

Countries with the most generous maternity and paternity leave include Bulgaria, which provides up to 58. 6 weeks for parents. Following closely are Lithuania, Czech Republic, Norway, and Iceland. Specifically, Japan offers 365 days, while Iceland provides 180 days of leave. Finland and Spain also rank highly, with 160 and 112 days, respectively. For paternity leave, fathers in Lithuania receive a minimum of 30 days. Greece ranks first globally for maternity leave at 43 weeks, whereas Slovakia follows with similar benefits.

A UNICEF report highlights Norway and the Netherlands as top contenders for family-related policies. Countries like Estonia are noteworthy, providing over a year of maternity leave, with new mothers able to take up to 86 weeks off around childbirth. In the paternity sector, Lithuania again excels with 30 days offered to fathers. Ultimately, national policies vary significantly, with many European nations leading in parental leave allowances compared to others, with countries like South Korea and Sweden also making strong provisions for new parents.