The idea
Getting pregnant is a choice
Why should taxpayers (for public sector) or emplyers be forced to pay you for making that choice?
I would like to employ some people for my fledgling business, but frankly I can't run the risk of employing someone under 40 because of the increasing chance that after six months, they or tehir partner will get pregnant, and demand six months pay from me for no work
I can't afford it
Why is it important?
At least one business I know went to the wall when they had to pay six of their eight employees maternatity/paternity, and then have them go off work for six months
In that time, they need replacement staff, but can't afford to pay 1.5 lots of wages
They are not allowed to get permanent staff to fill the gaps, so ended up going under
You want children? You pay for them!