Exploring parental leave in different countries When a new baby arrives, all the parents want to do is spend time with them. Leave from work is extremely important for parents to provide time to care for and bond with a baby. It is also essential for the baby’s health. Early time spent with the parents is not simply to fulfill the basic needs of the child. It is to nurture them and set the foundation for the rest of the child’s life. Truly, this is a critical time in the family’s life. This is why CSP is looking at parental leave in different countries. If you’re planning to grow your family using surrogacy, here is information about work leave time for new parents around the world. Parental leave in different countries – United States The laws in the USA require only 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave for newborns or adopted children. This is one of the lowest allowances for maternity leave in the industrialized world. You can find paid leave options at the state level. However, the amount of pay can vary from 30% to 100% of normal wages. The time off work allowed can range from 2 to 12 weeks. Paternity leave has been mostly nonexistent nationwide. Although California now offers up to 6 weeks of partially paid leave for fathers. Still, most states don’t require companies to pay for paternity leave at all. At best, new fathers may elect to use their own vacation days or sick days. They may also take unpaid leave. Considering the US is a first-world country, it is surprising that the United States does not offer more maternity leave. Fortunately, most middle-class citizens with higher paying careers often have access to better healthcare and maternity options. For too many people, though, finding time off to spend with a new arrival in the family is difficult at best. Mexico The laws for pregnancy and maternity leave in Mexico are vague. Current government rules entitle the mother to a total of 12 weeks off work for maternity leave. The law delineates 6 weeks of prenatal leave and 6 weeks of postnatal leave. However, an expectant mother can request to transfer up to 4 weeks of her prenatal leave to the postnatal period. Paternity leave in Mexico is only about 7 days. Although how often employers actually honor that and how often a father actually utilizes the leave is likely rare. Mexico’s leave policies aren’t what they should be, but they are on the right track. Parental leave in different countries – China China is a large country with many different regions and provinces, so paternity and maternity leave can vary widely across the country. However, recent stipulations allow 98 days for maternity leave, which the mother can begin to take at 15 days prior to birth. That’s about 14 weeks total. Paternity leave is 14 days. Women who have a baby after age 24 may be entitled to another 30 days of “late” maternity leave, bringing them closer to 18 weeks total. The Netherlands and France The Netherlands and France offer more generous maternity leave policies. These countries pay 100% of wages for 16 weeks, assuming it is your first or second child. If you qualify for social security in France, the amount of time lengthens if you are expecting a third child, twins, or triplets. France also offers paternity leave for 11 days of paid leave with a contingent option of up to 6 months additional. Benefits also apply to international surrogate parents. Canada and the UK Canada has a somewhat complicated application process, requiring employees to work 600 hours at their current job, be in an insurable position, and apply for paid leave rates that are relative to the unemployment rates in their area. This makes pay rates specific and fair. However, the EI (Employment Insurance) benefits of Canada grant at least 17 weeks of maternity and 35 weeks of parental leave. That’s 52 weeks total—an entire year. This time can be shared and divided between two parents as needed. The UK also grants a total of 52 weeks for maternity leave, which can broken down into 26 ordinary weeks, 26 additional weeks, or a specified number of shared weeks between two parents. Maternity pay can also be paid at up to 90 percent of your usual wage. Our international scope CSP works with domestic US couples as much as international clients and we are happy to talk further details with you, including how parental leave relates to surrogacy programs. Most of the benefits discussed here apply to surrogate parents and adoptive parents internationally. For more information about surrogacy or to begin your surrogacy process, contact CSP today.