Barefoot, Pregnant and (Not Very) Happy: Management and Healthcare Reasons for Paid Parental Leave in the U.S.

Abstract

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted to require employers to provide twelve weeks of unpaid and job protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child, and for those dealing with a seriously ill relative. This paper will provide a brief overview of the FMLA’s flaws, why it is now necessary to correct them, and primarily concentrate on issues related to the birth of a child versus adoption and dependent care coverage as provided in the Act. Furthermore, this paper will examine recently proposed legislation and provide other recommendations for future improvements