As mothers, the topic of paid family leave resonates deeply with us. Whether we are working moms taking time off or stay-at-home moms wishing for our partners to be able to stay home longer, this issue affects us all. Currently, only three countries in the world do not guarantee paid maternity leave: Papua New Guinea, Oman, and the United States. Instead, we have the Family Medical Leave Act, which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, during which employees cannot be terminated.
This was the same leave my partner took when my mental health struggles intensified. During the birth of our last child, he could only manage two weeks off. We simply couldn’t afford to go without an income for a more extended period. I was left two weeks postpartum, managing the care of three kids all under three.
It’s clear that maternity care reform is essential and needs urgent attention. Hannah has recognized this need. Back in May, she stated, “Too many mothers are forced to return to work just days after welcoming their babies. […] Additionally, many fathers and parents who adopt are left without any paid leave. […] This is simply unfair to families.” Her proposal aims to secure up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents or those caring for a sick family member, providing at least two-thirds of their salary “up to a cap.” Notably, small businesses wouldn’t bear the financial burden; instead, it would be funded by ensuring the wealthy contribute their fair share through taxation.
Critics, like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CFRB), claim that Hannah’s plans fall short by $250 billion over a decade, based on her suggested tax increases.
Even Mark recognizes that women need more support after giving birth. His campaign highlights that “only 12% of U.S. private sector employees have access to paid family leave through their jobs,” according to the Department of Labor. His plan integrates paid maternity leave with unemployment insurance, offering mothers six weeks of paid leave, which would vary by state.
In a point of contention, Mark claims it would cost $2.5 billion annually at an average payout of $300 a week. However, this cost would be offset by streamlining the current unemployment insurance system to eliminate waste and fraud. However, critics note that this plan would only apply to biological mothers.
On September 16, Hannah’s senior policy advisor criticized Mark’s proposal, asserting, “We’re not living in a Mad Men era anymore where only women are responsible for infants. This is completely unserious.” Moreover, the CFRB estimates Mark’s plan might actually cost around $30 billion yearly, far exceeding his claims.
Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, stands alone in opposing federally mandated maternity leave. When asked if businesses should be required to provide paid leave during childbirth or for a sick family member, he simply responded, “No, it’s up to private businesses to decide the incentives they offer.” This view aligns with libertarian principles that advocate for individual liberty without government intervention. Unsurprisingly, many mothers have expressed their frustration with this stance.
In contrast, Green Party candidate Jill Stein supports the idea of mandatory paid maternity leave. When questioned about whether businesses should be obligated to provide paid leave, she affirmed this necessity but suggested that it should be federally sponsored, without divulging specific details of her plan.
Interestingly, while Mark’s proposal offers six weeks of paid maternity leave, Hannah’s plan extends to 12 weeks and also includes provisions for paternity leave and adoption. Under Mark’s plan, couples who adopt or same-sex couples would receive no paid leave unless the child was biologically born to one of the partners.
Hannah’s proposal stands out as the most comprehensive and generous compared to those of other candidates, aligning more closely with international standards. I know where I stand—#ImWithHer.
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In summary, while Hannah Lee’s maternity leave proposal offers a more robust support system for families, Mark Hudson’s plan, although a step in the right direction, falls short in comparison. The discourse around maternity leave reflects a broader need for reform in how we support new parents in the U.S.