Women have the right to paid maternity leave in the United States. A study conducted by the United States Census Bureau from 2001-2003 states 85% of women work during their pregnancy. Of these women, only 32% collected paid maternity leave, causing 57% of women to return to work three months after giving birth.
Returning to work to soon prevents mothers from forming a secure attachment with their infant. Many mothers are returing to work in order to secure their jobs and financially support their family, allowing for health risks and lack of a nurturing role to develop.
Currently, maternity leave is determined by individual companies and is typically determined by the amount of time one has worked there. The United States should implement a universal paid maternity leave policy.