Becoming a parent ushers in an infinite array of new responsibilities. Juggling financial concerns and job security while adjusting to life with a baby should not be part of the struggle. This is a sentiment shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The AAP recently voiced its support for the federal government to grant universal paid family and medical leave (PFML) for parents. This suggestion does not only extend to new parents, but also to caregivers looking after ill or injured family members, as well as employees facing serious health issues.
This call for a universal paid family leave stems from studies showing that such a policy positively affects the health of parents, children, and their respective families. Kimberly Montez, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of Pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, confirms its benefits. “The AAP is about promoting the health and well-being of all children, and this policy would do just that.”
A survey conducted by What to Expect reveals that present parental leave protections in the U.S. are not only vastly inadequate but also harmful to personal and family health. The same survey affirms the mental, emotional, and physical perks experienced by mothers and partners taking extended leave. It is no surprise then, that there is a growing sentiment for policy revisions among families nationwide, with pediatricians also signaling their agreement.
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses universal paid family and medical leave for the first time. There are countless advantages of paid leave for infants, parents, and partners. These include reduced rates of premature births, postpartum depression, and child mortality. Individuals can show their support for universal paid leave by reaching out to their local representatives and participating in local, state, and federal elections.
The recommended federal policy ensures that paid family leave applies universally. The suggested policy provides a twelve-week paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents of new infants and newly placed children (adopted or fostered). The same benefits should be extended to employees caring for ill, injured, or disabled family members, along with workers facing serious health conditions.
According to Dr. Montez, paid leave is crucial in helping employees maintain a balance between work and familial obligations, while also promoting health equity. Source of funds for the said policy could come from a national social insurance program. Along with this, the AAP encourages incentive grants and other initiatives to create a more family-friendly workplace environment.
In contrast to this proposed scenario, the U.S. is one of the few countries without universal paid family and medical leave. Based on the current policies under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually. However, the reality is such that many families could not afford to lose income for this duration, and thus, could not make use of the program. This leaves a significant portion of American families unable to avail of FMLA, and instead, rely on a mix of state and local programs, or simply fend for themselves.
In fact, the What to Expect survey reveals that 74% of mothers believe that they did not have enough time off to recover before resuming work obligations. Furthermore, 42% of mothers reportedly go on unpaid leaves. Dr. Montez acknowledges that the financial stress associated with unpaid leaves is enormous, making it hard for families to adjust to having a newborn child.
Universal paid family and medical leave offers numerous benefits for infants, parents, and communities alike. Parental presence and emotional availability play a pivotal role in infant physical and mental development. Paid family and medical leave reduces the incidences of preterm birth, low birth weight, and hospital admissions. It increases the likelihood of breastfeeding and timely vaccinations which sets the foundation for a child’s long-term health.
Parents also gain from paid family leaves. Mothers who avail of such leave are less likely to need rehospitalization after giving birth. There are emotional benefits to consider as well. It contributes to a decrease in the incidence of postpartum depression, improvement in self-esteem, and a generally positive outlook. It also assists in strengthening parental relationships, fostering a shared responsibility in caring for their newborns.
Undeniably, paid family leave also benefits workers who need to tend to their own or a family member's illness or injury. But to turn the tide, policymakers need public support. Americans can make a significant impact by understanding their state and company policies, contacting their Congressional representatives, voting in local, state, and federal elections, and by sharing personal stories that highlight the importance of paid family leaves.