Paid maternity leave as health policy: Maternal well-being and participation in the labor market

OBJECTIVE: This paper will analyze the social, economic and psychological benefits of paid maternity leave and argue that it be available for all women in the USA. BACKGROUND: The discussion about maternity leave is an issue of women's rights and is particularly relevant in debates about fertility rate changes. Women have paid maternity leave in almost all countries of the world except a few that include the USA. All OECD countries have paid maternity leave. THE STUDY: The analysis uses comparative data from OECD countries, economic principles, public health metrics, and social justice principles, to analyze the social and economic costs and benefits of paid maternity leave. RESULTS: There is a significant class disparity with women in high status/high income positions having access to several weeks of paid maternity leave whereas working class women do not; nor do women who work at firms with <50 employees. The economic imperatives for having paid maternity leave include retention of women in the workforce after childbearing, closing the gender gap in employment and pay, and increased income in the present and at retirement. There are also social and psychological benefits for women, including the safety and security that comes from financial independence. The health benefits for infants include a longer breast-feeding period. CONCLUSION: It is in the economic and social interest of the USA to federally mandate paid maternity leave for all. RECOMMENDATIONS: Strategies for moving the issue forward politically will be discussed and explored with the audience.