Maternity benefit refers to financial support, paid leave, or job protection provided to women during pregnancy and after childbirth to support their health and care for their newborn. These benefits vary by location but generally include paid maternity leave, medical leave for related complications, and protections against job loss. For example, in India, the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 guarantees paid leave, with the 2017 amendment extending it to 26 weeks for the first two children