The UK's statutory parental leave system is "one of the worst in the developed world" and has "fundamental flaws", a group of cross-party MPs has said.
A report published today by the Women and Equalities Committee said paternity leave rules "entrench outdated gender stereotypes".
It added that "bold" action is needed, but warned any changes would require significant investment.
A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said the government is carrying out a review to see how it best can support working families.
Introduced in 2003, statutory paternity leave allows most new fathers and second parents in the UK to take up to two weeks off work.
It applies to all partners, regardless of gender, after the birth, surrogacy or adoption of a baby.
Those eligible receive £187.18 a week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower.
This works out as less than 50% of the National Living Wage and fathers are ineligible for statutory paternity leave if they are self-employed or earn less than £123 a week.
