[orangecat]

We have societally chosen to make up for that a little bit by giving the mother a legally protected break from job demands.

In which case we should collectively pay for it rather than dumping the burden on her employer, especially since as you note that creates a disincentive to hire any woman of childbearing age.

When it's time for reviews and raises, the new mother has three or six months less of productivity and accomplishments, so it's natural and not discriminatory for her to receive less reward here.

Her attorney might see things differently.

[vidarh]

> In which case we should collectively pay for it rather than dumping the burden on her employer,

And that's how it is in most of Europe, for example. But companies are still known to try to avoid it because of the hassle of getting a replacement for the duration of maternity leave.