A survey of maternity leave policies in Boston area hospitals.

This study surveyed 15 Boston area hospitals in order to assess the existence and nature of maternity leave policies at these institutions. In addition, it examined attitudes of administrators, program directors, and residents regarding pregnancy in women residents. Sixty-six percent of the hospitals surveyed had written policies specific to maternity leave. Interview responses indicated that the medical environment continues to discourage pregnancy during residency. These results suggest that although maternity leave policies are becoming more commonplace, they frequently fail to be clearly defined and may not be written specifically or exclusively for maternity. These factors may contribute to the ongoing lack of acceptability of pregnancy during residency.