Аңдатпа
Background/Objectives: The article provides a comparative analysis of legal regulation of maternity protection in Kazakhstan, Russia and best practices of the developed European countries, highlighting the gaps in the relevant national legislation which currently remains a pressing issue. Methods: The methodological basis of the research is formed by a general dialectical method of obtaining knowledge on the system of general and natural laws, society and the state; scientific methods – analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, historical and logical methods; specific scientific methods – system analysis, logic, comparative, statistical and other methods. Conducting this study, the authors also applied statistical and comparative methods, the methods of system and correlation analysis. Findings: The research involved studying current legislation, standards, monographs and scientific articles related to the theme of the paper. According to the analysis of Kazakh and Russian legislation on maternity protection, there is a current development of this field, motherhood being a fundamental factor of raising healthy children. Nevertheless, the measures taken appear to be insufficient. The example of the developed countries, especially France and Scandinavian countries, demonstrates that mothers should receive full support (social, financial, and economic). Application/Improvements: The authors concluded that maternity protection in the Republic of Kazakhstan should be comprehensive, and it should imply adoption and implementation of the state programs promoting motherhood, comprehensive social support for mothers, as well as introduce the practice of shared childcare by both parents, taking into consideration gender balance and socio-economic status of mothers.Keywords: Benefits, Gender Balance, Maternity Protection, Social Protection, Social Rights, Welfare