In America, every parent—and especially women—should have access to paid family leave. It’s disheartening that we even have to advocate for this basic right in a country that prides itself on freedom and opportunity. Despite the urgency, President Biden’s Build Back Better framework has seen paid family and medical leave provisions diminish from twelve weeks to four, and now, shockingly, to zero. The primary roadblock has been Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, whose vote is crucial for the bill’s passage.
Let’s take a moment to understand the broader implications of this setback. The Bipartisan Policy Center reports that a staggering 79% of workers lack access to any defined paid parental or family caregiving leave, while 60% do not have medical leave. Without paid family leave, countless workers are forced to make impossible choices between their jobs, their health, and their families.
Paid family leave is not merely a benefit; it’s a fundamental human right. Mothers shouldn’t have to choose between nurturing their newborns and maintaining their jobs. Data from PL+US reveal that one in four mothers in the U.S. return to work just ten days after giving birth, primarily due to financial pressures. When I welcomed my second child, I had to return to work when he was only six weeks old because I lacked sufficient unpaid leave. Even though I was a government employee supposedly protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), my situation was dire after complications led me to take leave before my due date. It was either go back to work or risk losing my job and future income.
Women of color and minorities are particularly impacted by these policies. Many are primary breadwinners and may not qualify for FMLA due to their job types or hours worked, or they may fear losing their employment altogether.
Imagine a world where parents can immerse themselves in their new roles without the constant worry about finances. Paid family leave allows parents to bond, establish breastfeeding, and settle into caregiving routines before heading back to work. This provision should also extend to cover various family situations, including adoptions, non-birthing parents, and foster placements.
Moreover, the need for paid leave isn’t confined to welcoming a new family member. Many medical situations require time off for self-care or to care for loved ones.
For instance, when my middle child was only five months old, he was hospitalized with croup. I had never encountered this before and was terrified. After spending nearly a week in the hospital with him, I called my workplace to explain my absence, only to face disbelief and potential disciplinary action. A coworker even suggested I leave my sick child with strangers. How can this be acceptable in one of the wealthiest nations in the world?
We deserve better, and the ongoing struggle in Congress to implement this essential policy feels like a slap in the face. It’s time for America to get it together.
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In summary, paid family leave is a basic human right that should be available to all families. It’s essential for nurturing new parents and ensuring their well-being, both physically and financially.
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