Take a good look at this...
(from Forbes.com)
There's a lot that could be said about the U.S. being comparable to Ghana, Swaziland and Zambia (where no nominal per capita income is above $3000/year) in the their unpaid maternity leave, but I think this speaks for itself.
If one word could be uttered about this, I would use "shameful."
*Steps off soapbox*
Don't get me wrong....I am grateful that we'll both have jobs after this kiddo pops out. I'm happy that I'm able to take the summer off and Nickie will take her full 12 weeks because we've been saving like squirrels collecting nuts before winter so they don't starve. I'm glad I can tell my employer that I'm going to take the time off because my lesbian wife is having a baby.
But then I have to think, just for a second, would Nickie have been better off in Bosnia or Chile? Or, Mexico or Malawi? Shameful.
You're right, it is sad. I had to go back to work only 7 weeks after Farty was born because I got no paid time off except my 2 weeks vacation. I felt so cheated, since we spent the first 2 weeks of his life in the NICU.
ReplyDeleteThe powers that be in this country do not value motherhood, plain and simple. Again, sad.
After Riley was born, we both quit our jobs and stayed home with her until she was a year old. Neither of us wanted to go back! Finally Liz went back and I continue to be at home to this day. With Teagan, Liz took her 12 weeks (with 8 paid by short term disability) but I think 12 weeks is REALLY pushing it and parents should get at least 6 months if not a year!
ReplyDeleteIt's been awfully quiet on here... has the little one made an appearance???...
ReplyDelete