About this Episode
Chile’s 2011 maternity leave reform increased mothers’ employment after childbirth, according to a new study. Before the reform, mothers received six weeks of leave before birth and 12 weeks after birth with full wage replacement up to a salary cap. The reform doubled postnatal leave and also introduced five days of paid paternity leave for fathers for the first time. The measure aimed to support women’s participation in the labour market and respond to limited childcare options.
Researchers found that mothers eligible for the longer leave were more likely to remain in formal employment during the first three years after giving birth. The strongest effects appeared among women with weaker employment histories and limited access to childcare. The reform also increased mothers’ accumulated work experience and earnings.
The study further found that women relied less on sick leave and mental health leave to stay home longer after childbirth. Earlier research had already linked the reform to lower stress among mothers and improved early health outcomes for infants. Researchers reported no negative medium-term effects on employment.
Extended maternity leave increasing women’s employment and improving health outcomes — that’s what’s right with the world.
