There is only one reason to give someone a paid leave they aren't really entitled to get. They are being eased out of the company and candidates are trying out for their job.
Sounds like someone's speaking from personal experience.
Not too long ago, pregnant women were required to leave their jobs and never come back. Men might be allowed the day their child was born off, but that was it.
This is part of that nostalgia for the Fifties some of you pine for...especially since it's got nothing to do with you.
Employers who want good employee morale and company loyalty provide a decent amount of maternity leave. Some even provide day care on corporate premises.