A Cuban living in Spain has questioned the narrative that the United States is "the best country in the world" by drawing comparisons between parental leave policies and hospital costs in both nations. This comparison was highlighted in a viral video.
Content creator Magdi C, known for his musical content under the username @magdic.music, shared this video on TikTok on May 21. The clip has garnered over 157,000 views, 9,038 likes, and nearly 1,500 comments, sparking a debate among Cubans who have emigrated to either Europe or Florida.
"You claim that the United States is the best country in the world, but best for whom? Here in Spain, if I have a baby, both the mother and father can receive up to 19 weeks of paid leave to care for their child. Yes, they get paid to be with their family," the Cuban begins in his brief video.
Comparing Parental Leave Policies
The contrast Magdi C highlights is grounded in policy differences. On July 31, 2025, Spain extended its parental leave from 16 to 19 weeks per parent, with the allowance fully covered by Social Security. For single-parent families, the leave extends to 32 weeks.
In stark contrast, the U.S. offers a very different scenario. The sole federal law that applies to the private sector is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. There is no federal mandate for paid leave in the private sector, although states like California and New York have implemented their own programs.
The Financial Burden of Childbirth in the U.S.
Magdi C also highlights the financial strain of childbirth in the United States: "In a public hospital here, it practically costs you nothing. In the U.S., people leave the hospital with a baby and a bill for thousands of dollars." Available data indicates that a vaginal delivery without health insurance in the U.S. can range from $10,000 to $22,000, while a C-section might exceed $40,000.
"Imagine starting your child’s life in debt to the hospital. Yet, some claim Europe is behind," concludes the content creator.
The video has reignited a long-standing debate within the Cuban diaspora. Just last Wednesday, another Cuban reopened the discussion, while one more compared healthcare services in both countries after receiving emergency care, tests, and 21 days of fully covered sick leave through Spain's Social Security.
The argument for paid maternity and paternity leave has become a frequent point of contention for those advocating for the European model over the American one. Magdi C’s video underscores this with a clear takeaway: "I don't know about you, but I prefer a country where having a child doesn't ruin you financially."
Key Differences in U.S. and Spain's Parental Leave Policies
What are the differences in parental leave policies between the U.S. and Spain?
Spain offers up to 19 weeks of paid parental leave per parent, while the U.S. only provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA, with no federal mandate for paid leave.
How much can childbirth cost in the U.S.?
In the U.S., a vaginal delivery without insurance can cost between $10,000 and $22,000, while a C-section might exceed $40,000.