> Elise, who pays 80% of the income of freelancers and self-employed women?
Is
> it a check from the government?
>

Elisheva,
In Israel, the system is similar to what Elise describes in Italy.  All
employed women, whether government, private or self employed, receive 3
months maternity leave with full salary.  This is paid by social security.
The employer does not pay.    Employers are obligated to hold the woman's
position for her for up to a  year from the birth, essentially providing a
year's vacation, 9 months of which are without pay.

In addition, women get one hour of time off per work day ("breastfeeding
hour" as it's called, whether breastfeeding or not) for the first year, if
they choose to return to work within the year after the baby's birth.
Many women stay home the 3 months, but many who return to their jobs choose
to take varying lengths of time, up to a year.

Yael Wyshogrod IBCLC
Rechovot, Israel

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