Paid family and medical leave allows new parents to take job-protected leave from their employer to take care of their newborn child and receive a portion of their wages.

Key Facts:

  • PFML results in higher birth weights, more doctor’s visits, complete immunizations, better parent-child bonding, increased health benefits due to more breastfeeding and better quality care for children with special needs.
  • PFML benefits women of color, who have disproportionately higher rates of mortality and pregnancy complications.
  • PFML has been shown internationally to lower the mortality rates in neonatal, infants and child under 5 years old by 9-10%.