Just to give a data point on how other countries handle it. In Germany there’s mandatory time off for mothers 6 weeks before the estimated birth until 8 weeks (

Just to give a data point on how other countries handle it. In Germany there’s mandatory time off for mothers 6 weeks before the estimated birth until 8 weeks (12 weeks for twins) after the actual birth. (This is strict, there’s no option to voluntarily work during this time. Students can’t even take university exams). Afterwards both parents can take up to 3 years time-off each while their job will be protected. Between both parents up to 14 months are paid, each parent has to take at least 2 months off or only 12 months will be paid. Note this is not full salary but 65% of the net salary (and not taxed) plus a cap that TBH huts as a tech worker but is fine for most people. Now here’s what the employer is on the hook for: - Need to keep your job available during all the time taken off. You need to be able to renter at the same level and salary. - Time off during the mandatory protective leave for mother’s is paid by the employer but fully reimbursed by the public health insurance (so net 0). Companies pay into this system a small percentage of payroll, currently between 0,14% and 0,88% depending on the employers chosen insurance. - The 14 months paternity leave are fully paid for by taxes and the employer has to apply for it themselves This is still a burden for very small companies but overall it creates a situation where there’s almost no financial impact for companies when people become parents. Society as a whole shoulders that.