Critics: Swift Postpartum Return by French Official Sets Bad Example.
After a French justice minister, five days after she delivered a baby via C-section, was seen heading to the public announcement of a major judicial reform program with President Nicolas Sarkozy, her critics said she set a poor example for working mothers by not taking advantage of France’s 16-week maternity leave.
Several argued that when Rachida Dati went to work so soon after having her baby – or at least appeared at a press event with the president – she created a potential problem for future new moms whose employers might think they should return to work immediately just like Dati. A spokeswoman for a French women’s organization told a reporter, “Employers can now use this to put pressure on women, especially during the current tough economic times when employers may be looking for excuses to cut staff.” (January 2009)
01.26.09
5 days! Shouldn't she just be leaving hospital at that point? Really, if work is that important to you, fine, but do not think that you can simultaneously be a decent mother. I just don't see the point in having a baby if you're not prepared to dedicate more time. I can appreciate that for some women, their financial situation might mean that regardless of their level of desire to become a mother, they may have to go back to work to make ends meet. However, this is so obviously not the case for Dati. Countries like Australia do not have mandatory paid maternity leave, forcing so many women to make the agonising choice to go back to work, so for someone to simply ignore their right to 16 weeks of maternal freedom is appalling. Not to mention that their child/children will grow up with a stronger bond to their carer than to their own mother. How irresponsible!
Amy
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