Social Protection of Motherhood and Childhood in Foreign Countries
Abstract
Social protection of motherhood and childhood represents one of the most important directions of state social policy. Governments implement various programs to support families, ensure maternal health, and improve the well-being of children. These policies include maternity leave, parental benefits, child allowances, childcare services, and healthcare programs. This article provides a global overview of the organization of maternity cash benefits and maternity care in 188 countries; analyses trends and recent policies, e.g. extension of maternity protection coverage in a large number of low- and middle-income countries; describes the negative impacts of fiscal consolidation and adjustment measures in a number of higher-income economies; presents the costs of a universal benefit to all pregnant women in 57 low and middle income countries; and calls for the expansion of maternity protection to accelerate progress on women’s rights and enhancing the well-being of new mothers, promoting inclusive development and social justice.