To get a feel for what maternity leave is like around the world, let’s compare the typical benefits offered in the United States, Sweden, and Hong Kong.
United States
In general, there is no paid maternity leave in the United States. In the UNICEF’s ranking, the United States scored a resounding zero points in terms of social protection [1].
The United States has a Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) [2], which establishes the right to unpaid leave for 12 weeks a year. The benefit is not designed only for maternity leave but also sick leave if you or your child were to fall ill.
This federal law only protects those who worked at least 1,250 hours in the last year for a company with a minimum of 50 employees. That represents only 59 percent of Americans. If you do not work for a company with 50 or more employees, your employer is not required to give you FMLA. Check with your human resources department to see what you are entitled to under your company’s maternity policies.
Several states, including California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia have slightly higher benefits. California leads the country when it comes to FMLA benefits. It has its own family law [3] under which both mother and father are entitled to six weeks of paid leave at 60-70% of their salary, with a maximum of $1,300 per week. Parental leave can be taken at any time during the first year of a child's life.
Sweden
On the other end of the spectrum, there is Sweden. With generous maternity and paternity leave, the Scandinavian country scores 35 on the UNICEF scale of social protections. Standard parental leave is 480 days for both mother and father. If they have twins, parents are entitled to an additional 180 days [4].
During the first 420 days of maternity leave, Swedes are entitled to 80 percent of their daily salary [4]. If they return to work earlier, they forfeit these benefits.
The law applies to Swedish citizens and residents. However, residents must have worked in Sweden for at least 240 days to receive the benefit. They are still allowed leave if they work less, but the pay will be more modest.
Hong Kong
In 2020, Hong Kong voted to increase paid maternity leave from 10 weeks to 14 weeks. Maternity leave in Hong Kong starts two to four weeks before the due date [5].
During maternity leave, a woman receives 80% of her daily salary. The amount is calculated based on income in the last 12 months, but all days not paid in full, such as vacations, sick leave, or absences, are deducted. Those who have worked in Hong Kong for 40 weeks can apply for these benefits. The state compensates employers for 100 percent of their expenses.
What about maternity leave in your country? Share your experience in the comments below.
