MMHLA Sends Letter to Congress in Support of Paid Family Leave
The work to pass a national paid family and medical leave policy has been ongoing for decades.
In recent weeks, the push for paid family leave has been reignited by a new campaign led by Naomi Osaka, Bobbie, Paid Leave for All, Chamber of Mothers, and Moms First.
In addition, Congress has taken the step of soliciting feedback from select experts in order to understand the impact of paid family and medical leave on people’s health and well-being.
We responded to Congress’ request for input by sending a letter on January 23, 2024 in strong support of a national paid family and medical leave policy that is bipartisan, fiscally responsible, and sustainable.
Research shows that maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States—impacting 1 in 5 pregnant women or new mothers (source 1, source 2).
Our letter to Congress outlined the mounting evidence that demonstrates how paid parental leave can help protect against poor mental health among new parents.
A January 2023 study reviewed 45 studies on parental leave (most of which were U.S.-based) and reports the following key findings:
Parental leave can help alleviate mental health symptoms by preventing or reducing stress associated with childbirth and infancy.
Parental leave is protective against poor mental health for mothers in the postpartum period, especially paid leave of at least 2-3 months.
Women receiving paid parental leave have a lower risk of MMH conditions than women receiving unpaid parental leave.
The protective effect of parental leave can outlast the postpartum period into later life.
The intersection between paid family leave and positive mental health outcomes is undeniable, and as a policy organization dedicated to improving maternal mental health through equitable, national policy advocacy, we will continue to lend our expertise and influence to support paid family leave.
If you would like to show your support for a national paid family and medical leave policy, you can sign this petition, led by Paid Leave for All and Glamour.
