A Note from Senator Jane Thompson: The U.S. Desperately Needs a National Paid Family Leave Program

home insemination Kit

When I welcomed my first child, I craved time—time to heal, to bond, and to master the art of parenting. But for countless working mothers, that precious time is often cut short. Many of you face a tough dilemma: take unpaid leave and risk your job or rush back to work when you’re anything but ready. It’s a rough situation for working moms across America.

Some of you may have managed to stitch together vacation and sick days for a few more weeks at home. A fortunate few may have accessed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but let’s be real—it’s unpaid. While some companies and states offer paid leave, the vast majority don’t. It’s high time we change that.

Our current paid leave laws are outdated and fail to consider the growing number of working moms. These regulations were crafted without input from the very mothers they impact. So, let’s amplify our voices! Share your experiences; it’s vital that we educate others about the pressing need for reform.

You have the power to challenge outdated workplace policies that don’t support working parents. Here are some suggestions:

• Advocate for better paid leave policies at your workplace.
• Contact local leaders to request a citywide paid leave program.
• Push Congress to establish a national paid leave law for all working individuals.

When I became a mother while still practicing law, my firm had no parental leave policy. So, I took the initiative to create one. I was fortunate to have that opportunity, but many parents aren’t so lucky. A national paid leave program would eliminate that uncertainty.

When I had my second child, I was already serving in Congress. I demonstrated to my colleagues that an office can function smoothly even when a parent needs time off. In fact, when my staff took leave to care for their families, morale actually improved. It’s a concept that many hadn’t considered until they saw it in action.

As a working mom in the Senate, I understand the urgent need for a national paid leave initiative that benefits all employees, especially parents. My flagship legislation, the FAMILY Act, aims to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave at two-thirds of your income. It would cover everyone—from corporate employees to freelancers. Not surprisingly, support for this bill is growing as more Senators recognize that many mothers are part of the workforce in 2023.

I take pride in being one of the many working mothers in our nation (and yes, I’m the first U.S. Senator to nurse while in session). Our stories and perspectives need to be shared. So, reach out to your Congressperson, spread the word on social media, and highlight the necessity of paid leave. Many lawmakers still don’t grasp how vital this support is for new parents and their families. Let them hear your voice!

Looking for more insights? Check out our post on home insemination at this link. Also, for those interested in enhancing fertility, check out this resource. And if you’re navigating pregnancy, this site offers excellent information.

In summary, the U.S. desperately needs a national paid family leave program to support working parents. With the FAMILY Act, we can ensure that all workers have access to essential time off without losing their pay or jobs.