Parental leave has been shown to be good for both parents and children. Maternity leave has many benefits. It reduces the risk of depression in the mother and is much better for the baby’s health. Paternity leave can help fathers build a relationship with their children, and can help both parents achieve their career goals while taking care of their children. Currently, over 160 countries offer some type of parental leave, either to the mother or to both parents. However, the specific policies vary a lot by country.

In Japan, guaranteed maternity leave is 14 weeks in total – 6 weeks before birth, and 8 weeks after. In addition, either of the parents may take childcare leave, starting from 8 weeks after the birth of the child to when the child turns one year old. During both maternity leave and childcare leave, the employee can receive 2/3 of their regular pay.

Top 3 countries:
Finland gives a total of 23 weeks of paid leave for mothers – 7 before, and 16 after birth. In addition, fathers can get 8 weeks of paid paternity leave. Parents can also take partial care leave between the time the child is three years old and the time they start the second year in school. The leave is paid at 70% of regular pay.

Denmark gives 18 weeks of fully paid leave to mothers – 4 before the birth, and 14 after. The father can also take two weeks off after the birth. After that, the parents can use 32 weeks of fully paid leave in any way they choose between the two of them.

Sweden allows mothers 18 weeks of paid leave. After that, either of the parents can take up to 480 days of parental leave. Fathers are also given 90 days of additional paternity leave. The leave is paid at up to 80% of regular pay.

Bottom 3 countries:
Tunisia only allows 4 weeks of maternity leave at 50-100% of regular pay, depending on the job. There is little or no paternity leave.

Papua New Guinea gives between 6 to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for mothers, with no leave for fathers.

The US allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for either the mother or the father. However, the job may not always be guaranteed after returning from leave. There are also separate state and city laws, as well as specific company regulations, which may give additional paid or unpaid leave.

Although countries included in the United Nations have agreed to try to guarantee a minimum of 14 weeks of parental leave paid at 2/3 of regular pay, it is clear that many countries are not meeting this minimum goal. On the other hand, there are many developed countries with a good economy which are able to achieve and do more than these minimum standards. Given the large amount of information showing the importance of parental leave for both parents and children, we can hope that an international standard will be achieved in the future.

Parental leave is good for both parents and children. Maternity leave has many benefits. It lowers depression in the mother and is good for the baby’s health. Paternity leave can help fathers build a connection with their children. It also helps both parents continue working while taking care of their children. Over 160 countries offer parental leave to the mother or to both parents. The types of parental leave are different for each country.

In Japan, maternity leave is 14 weeks – 6 weeks before birth, and 8 weeks after. Either of the parents may also take childcare leave. It starts from 8 weeks after the birth of the child to when the child turns one year old. The pay is 2/3 of regular pay.

Top 3 countries:
Finland gives 23 weeks of paid leave for mothers – 7 before, and 16 after birth. Fathers can take 8 weeks of paid paternity leave. Parents can also take partial care leave. This is from when the child is three years old until the second year of school. The leave is paid at 70% of regular pay.

Denmark gives 18 weeks of paid leave to mothers – 4 before the birth, and 14 after. The father can also get 2 weeks leave. After that, the parents can use 32 weeks of paid leave. It is fully paid.

Sweden gives mothers 18 weeks of paid leave. After that, either parent can take 480 days of parental leave. Fathers also get 90 days of paternity leave. The leave is paid at up to 80% of regular pay.

Bottom 3 countries:
Tunisia only gives 4 weeks of maternity leave. The pay is 50-100% of regular pay, with some differences between jobs. There is little or no paternity leave.

Papua New Guinea gives between 6 to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for mothers. There is no leave for fathers.

The US gives up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the mother or the father. However, employees taking parental leave might lose their job. There are also local laws and company rules, which may give paid or unpaid leave.

Countries in the United Nations have agreed to try to give at least 14 weeks of parental leave at 2/3 of regular pay. However, many countries are not meeting this goal. There are also many countries that achieve this goal and do more.