This past September, President elect Donald Trump revealed a plan to guarantee six weeks of paid maternity leave for new mothers after childbirth, excluding new fathers, adoptive parents and those who have children via a surrogacy.

Furthermore, a document obtained on the Trump campaign website explains same-sex couples would also receive the six weeks of paid leave under the policy if and only if the marriage is “recognized under state law.” 

The United States is the only nation without some form of national paid parental leave for employees with newborns, per a survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.  In over 10 countries, paid parental leave extends beyond 12 months.  Unfortunately, in the US less than 15 percent of employers offer paid leave.

Human resource experts explain one of the measurable outcomes of paid parental leave is the effect it has on infant health and development.  There are also psychological benefits for the parents, especially when it is considered that in nearly half of US households both parents work full-time jobs. 

Thomas E. Perez, Secretary of Labor, has actively promoted paid family leave legislation through his Lead on Leave campaign.  Unfortunately, legislation that would accomplish most of the paid parental or family leave goals have been stalled in Congress.

Although national paid parental leave law is stalled, some states have adopted paid family leave on their own.