Childbirth-related leave policies

United States: 12 weeks of family leave; UNPAID

Canada: 17 weeks maternity leave, 10 weeks parental leave; paid 15 weeks at 55% of prior earnings

Denmark: 28 weeks maternity leave, 1 year parental leave; paid 60% of prior earnings and 90% of unemployment benefit rate

Finland: 18 weeks maternity leave, 26 weeks parental leave, child rearing leave until child is 3; paid at 70% of prior earnings

Norway:52 weeks parental leave, 2 years child rearing leave; paid at 80% of prior earnings

Sweden: 18 months parental leave; 12 months at 80% of prior earnings

Austria: 16 weeks maternity leave, 2 years parental leave; 100% prior earnings

France: 16 weeks maternity leave, parental leave until child is 3; 100% prior earnings

Germany: 14 weeks maternity leave, 3 years parental leave; 100% prior earnings

Italy: 5 months maternity leave, 6 months parental leave; 80% of prior earnings, 30% prior earnings

United Kingdom: 18 weeks maternity leave, 13 weeks parental leave; 90% for 6 weeks and flat rate for 12 weeks

SOURCE: "From Maternity to Parental Leave Policies: Women's Health, Employment, and Child and Family Well-Being" by S. B. Kamerman, 2000, The Journal of the American Women's Medical Association, p. 55, table 1; "Parental Leave Policies: An Essential Ingredient in Early Childhood Education and Care Policies" by S. B. Kamerman, 2000, Social Policy Report, p. 14, Table 1.0