[nasalgoat]

Here in Canada, maternity leave is a Federally-mandated full year. Before having a baby I thought that seemed excessive, but after having one, I see the value it brings at a critical time in a child's life.

Now the idea that the US only allows for 2 weeks seems cruel and unusual.

[tracker1]

I agree that two weeks is insane... and I understand why many would leave a job to stay at home for the first few years of a baby's life. I'm not sure I entirely understand having paid leave for that long though.

It would be easier to handle if the U.S. adopted a basic wage, and eliminated most of the welfare and subsidy programs.

[nasalgoat]

Well, the Canadian method involves the parent going on Unemployment for the duration of the leave, so it's not 100% salary. Still, a better option than a child missing out on key parental bonding time.