World Cup held up mirror on maternity care: We shouldn't look away | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The World Cup held up a mirror on maternity care by highlighting how countries compete on the pitch while leaving major gaps off it. The article says a graphic circulating among the 48 FIFA World Cup nations showed every country represented offers some form of paid national maternity leave, except the United States. It argues that hosting the tournament has spotlighted a policy reality that affects families, including Arkansas mothers, maternal health advocates say. The piece cites an AIM white paper, “Strengthening Arkansas: Maternal Health as Economic Infrastructure,” linking postpartum care access to whether mothers can return to work. It also notes Arkansas child-care disruptions cost employers an estimated $665 million annually, and replacing one employee can cost 50% to 200% of annual salary. It frames the issue for hospitals, employers, legislators, and communities as economic infrastructure, not abstract policy.