'Mothers' Index' Lists Best Places to Be a Mom

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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

Now we raise a toast to motherhood with a look at the very best place to be a mother. OK. So that place might be your house, but one set of experts have come up with the best and worst worldwide. Save the Children has released its annual Mothers Index. The index compares the well-being of mother's and children in 146 countries.

At the top, Sweden, because of its family friendly laws. Mothers with newborns are guaranteed at least one year of paid leave. Camilla Hillett(ph) is a kindergarten teacher in Stockholm. Her sons are 8, 11, and 15. And with each birth she's taken maternity leave and received 80 percent of her salary.

Ms. CAMILLA HILLETT (Mother, Sweden): We have a lot of opportunities, I think, as a mother. You can choose if you want to be a mother or not. When you are expecting your children you can always get good care and health. This is all free.

MONTAGNE: Even daycare is considered reasonably priced in Sweden, and the government has also made hiring domestic help tax deductible. The Mothers Index ranked being a mother in America at 27.

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