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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]European countries offer this benefit (and I believe it's usually done through taxes, not employer sponsored, correct?) because they want citizens to have more babies to counteract falling birth rates. Do we want/need that in America? If we do need to increase our population, why not do it through immigration, rather than paying citizens to have babies? I'm not actually sure why European countries prefer citizens to have babies vs. bringing in immigrants - is it because they have more cultural issues with immigrants than we do? Is it because their economies aren't strong enough to attract immigrants?

I don't think a lot of pro-maternity leave people are thinking about this in practical terms. They just think we should make it easier for women to have babies and careers at the same time because it's the "right thing to do." Why?[/quote]

Canada gives 12 months right now, and just approved 18.  Paid for through taxes.  The employer doesn't pay two people.  Parental leave is paid at a reduced rate... something like 60% for a certain period and then I think it drops.  Either parent can use it.

This is seen as better for babies, to be with a parent for the first year.   It also makes breastfeeding for that length of time more doable for those who wantbto.  But I'll tell you, it sucks in other ways.  Employers  have to have something available at the end of the leave.  You can be transferred if necessary.  But... This means that teachers, doctors, therapists, etc are all gone for a year.  Medical specialists already in short supply, off for a year.  Not so easy to replace.

You also have to have worked enough hours in the previous 12 months to qualify.  I know a nurse who had kids 18 months apart.  She went back early with the first to have enough hours to take a year with the second.  Finding daycare for under 12 months isn't easy anymore either.

It sounds lovely but are people willing to pay more taxes... even for 12 weeks leave?

IMO - the year is unnecessary.  We used to get six months.[/quote]

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