There has to be an element of "user pays", otherwise, the system will be ripe for abuse.

I'm not a massive believer in mandatory paid maternity leave. And I definitely think it should be restricted. The suggestion of 12 months is too long.

I don't believe in handouts generally. In the case of maternity leave, I disagree with the attitude that just because you want to have a baby that you should expect the government to support you. 

Something I find really immoral is when women choose a new employer based on the fact that they know after a certain period of time they will become eligible for paid maternity leave. Not disclosing your intentions when you plan to need leave after 6months is wrong.

And I'm highly sceptical of paid paternity leave. Men can't breastfeed. I'm sure there are some Dads who use it properly to look after the baby when the Mum returns to work early - but I find it hard to believe they are in the majority.  I think most blokes who take it up will be just having a holiday.

Granted, I'm an old school kind of guy, and I know a lot of these ideas I'm expressing are out of fashion; but before you jump up and down thinking I'm a sexist old fogy, let me finish.