Increasingly, I see patients forced to choose between their families’ health and a paycheck. That’s why I’m urging state lawmakers to support paid family and medical leave.
As a pediatrician and a member of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, I know that when parents are allowed to take necessary time off to care for a child, the health of mothers, kids and families is improved. Additionally, women in states with paid leave are more likely to be working a year following childbirth, less likely to go on public assistance, and earn more than women in other states.
There are competing proposals this year, but only House Bill 1116 and Senate Bill 5032 provide the amount of leave doctors recommend: 26 weeks of paid family leave for the birth of a child or to care for an ill family member. It would also allow up to 12 weeks of paid leave for a worker’s own serious health condition.
Paid family and medical leave means better health and equity for women, babies and families, and increased financial security for families, by keeping parents in the workforce. I urge readers to learn more at waworkandfamily.org.
