Human Rights Watch should be renamed Human Entitlements Watch based on a recent news article: Americans often take pride in ways their nation differs from others. But one distinction - lack of a nationwide policy of paid maternity leave - is cited in a new report as an embarrassment that could be redressed at low cost and without harm to employers. "Despite its enthusiasm about `family values,' the U.S. is decades behind other countries in ensuring the well-being of working families," said Janet Walsh, deputy director of the women's rights division of Human Rights Watch. "Being an outlier is nothing to be proud of in a case like this."
Mandates have costs. Mandate more benefits and employers think twice about hiring. Just because law requires a benefit does not mean the intended recipients will receive it if they are not hired. Furthermore, what if a woman does not want it? Maybe instead of a maternity leave benefit she would prefer a longer vacation benefit or a higher wage? Instead of her choice, the government decides. Anyone else remember the feminist slogan in the abortion issue “My body, my choice”? How about “My job, my choice”? The job’s benefits and duties are negotiated between employee and employer.
Janet Walsh, deputy director of the women's rights division of Human Rights Watch, said "Leaving paid leave to the whim of employers means millions of workers are left out, especially low-income workers who may need it most." I bet she would support the minimum wage, oblivious of its unintended consequences, but who is going to fact check it. The news article does not say there could be adverse consequences. The article sounds more like a press release than a news article or maybe the difference no longer exists. This article is just another in the theme of bashing capitalism.
Rights are entitlements. Proper rights are contracted out. Liberty /= rights.