Creating a Better Future with Paid Family and Medical Leave
The United States and Ohio lag behind other countries and states when it comes to implementing comprehensive and equitable paid leave policies. With advocacy, accountability, and action, that can change.
Why do so many countries, states, and cities have paid leave?
Because the research is clear: the benefits far outweigh the costs.
What is paid family and medical leave?
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML or Paid Leave) is an important workforce, economic, and health policy that allows employees to take time to care for their families' or their own health and medical needs.
Whether it's welcoming a new child, supporting a sick family member, or dealing with one's own serious health condition, Paid leave provides the job and financial security we all need during these significant life events.
186 countries offer paid leave, but not the United States. America is 1 of 5 countries globally without mandated paid maternity leave.
SOURCE: Velocity Global, 2024. Paid Maternity Leave by Country
13 of America’s 50 states have passed Paid Family and Medical Leave laws.
SOURCE: American Progress, 2024. The State of Paid Family and Medical Leave in the U.S. in 2024
Paid Leave supports the health and well-being of workers, families, and society overall.
Access to paid leave leads to:
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improved health outcomes, both physically and mentally, for employees and their families.
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greater workforce participation, particularly for women who often take on caregiving responsibilities.
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economic security, ensuring that families can meet their financial obligations even during challenging times.
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the ability for families to provide the necessary care for newborns, aging and dying parents, sick children, loved ones, and themselves.
Only 14% of part-time workers and 31% of full-time workers in the U.S. have access to Paid Family Leave.
SOURCE: Velocity Global, 2024. Paid Maternity Leave by Country
Workers who most need Paid Family & Medical Leave are the ones who don't have access to it.
Lack of policies or strict policy language and eligibility requirements often leave behind workers earning low wages, workers of color, workers with atypical family structures, self-employed contractors, and so many more.
53% of voters believe they could benefit from a national paid family and medical leave policy now or in the future.
SOURCE: National Partnership for Women & Families, 2018. Voters' Views on Paid Family + Medical Leave
2/3 of voters in swing states strongly favor paid family, parental, and medical leave
SOURCE: Lake Research Partners and Paid Leave for All Action 2023 Survey Findings Show Broad and Deep Support for Paid Parents, Family and Medical Leave
It is time to prioritize the well-being and economic prosperity of workers and their families by working toward equitable paid leave policy laws in Ohio and nationwide.
Ready to Advocate for Paid Leave?
A Guide to Paid Family & Medical Leave
Empower yourself, your organization, and your community to advocate for Paid Leave and to implement an equitable, successful paid leave policy for your organization or municipality.
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Best practices for inclusive & equitable policies.
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Advocacy templates and talking points
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Our paid leave policy framework
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& More resources!
Join us in shaping a future where every family has access to paid leave when they need it most.