UK statutory maternity leave is 52 weeks (39 weeks paid at low rate). US has no statutory paid maternity leave. Countries with strongest leave (Sweden, Iceland, Norway) provide 12-18 months paid plus father quotas. The gap reveals different policy choices, not different biological needs.
Where UK fits internationally
Length OK; pay rate poor. Statutory pay is around £184/week — not enough to live on for most. Many employers top up via enhanced maternity pay. Significant variation by employer.
Where US lags behind
Most developed countries provide some statutory paid leave. US is outlier alongside very few other countries. Most US workers depend on employer policies (variable) or unpaid leave under FMLA.
What this means for women planning families
Understand your specific employer's policy. If considering job change while planning family, the maternity policy is part of total compensation. Some employers (large tech, large financial firms) provide significantly more than statutory minimums.