What have we done to our daughters? -- Background : understanding the legislative intent and symbolism of public policies -- The evolution and devolution of maternity leave as an employee benefit -- Women's health care and the workplace -- Research approach -- The interviews : profiles of women and their perceptions and experiences -- The themes : how women cope with the myths and realities of maternity leave -- The other voices -- An international comparison : the other kingdoms -- Can the fairy tale be realized or should it be rewritten?