Is it so wrong for Rachida Dati to go back to work five days after having a baby?

French Justice Minister Rachida Dati’s new baby girl, were she conscious enough to notice, would feel like the most important infant in France. First there was the speculation as to who little Zohra’s father was, and now, amazement and scorn poured on her mother for her decision to return to work five days after her birth.

Under French law, Ms Dati would have been entitled to 16 weeks maternity leave but she decided to skip it to return to the office, prompting a flurry speculative articles on her reasoning.

But why is this personal choice so shocking to us? Would we be so interested if a male counterpart were to do the same thing? Why is it so terrifying for us that a woman could take her (very important) job so seriously?

Admittedly, a lot of women would rather saw their right arm off than leave their child five days after birth but no doubt, as a government minister, Ms Dati is capable of seeking out and paying for adequate childcare, while her colleagues will be sympathetic to her circumstances.

University of Kent Professor Frank Furedi, discussed this in an article about Sarah Palin, who chose to go back to work three days after the birth of her son Trig, saying: "When did the aspiration to combine motherhood with a successful career become a focus for the hatred of so-called progressives and feminists?"

Are public figures' maternity leave decisions fair game for comment? Should we care how long anyone takes off after giving birth? We would be interested to know your thoughts.

Posted by Corinne Abrams