If we're to successfully drive wage equality, we can't make mistakes like allowing employers to use maternity leave as an excuse to depress wages by gender. The

If we're to successfully drive wage equality, we can't make mistakes like allowing employers to use maternity leave as an excuse to depress wages by gender. The only two ways to fix this are to eliminate (this option is untenable) parental leave or to make maternity leave apply to everybody. Besides, give both parents the ability to support a family during those formative months and the next generation will be healthier for it.