The United States of America is the only industrialized nation in the world not to have mandated paid maternity leave for mothers.
Under the Family Medical Leave Act (1993), new parents are guaranteed their jobs for up to 12 weeks following the birth or adoption of their child. However, this act does not guarantee any financial assistance during these 12 weeks and this act does not apply to all companies.
According to Forbes, women make up almost half of the USA’s work force (2013), and without a mandated maternity leave policy, they and their families are penalized for having children. Mandated paid maternity leave will ease the burden of balancing work and family during the first few crucial months in a child’s life, and will increase bonding between mother and child if the mother do