Saralyn Margetts: Family leave laws benefit public health

I am writing in support of the paid parental leave programs being considered by the United States Congress this year: The Advancing Support for Working Families Act, sponsored by Sen. Bill Cassidy and cosponsored by six other senators, both Democrat and Republican; the FAMILY Act, sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and 34 cosponsors, both Democrat and Independent; and the New Parents Act, sponsored by Republican Sens. Marco Rubio and Mitt Romney.

I am a mother, a nurse and a public health advocate. Paid family leave is a public health concern, not just a family issue.

After having each of our children, my husband returned to work after less than a week of time off due to lack of paternity leave from his employers and a culture which, at that time, did not encourage fathers to take leave. It is encouraging that this culture is changing in the United States.

Working closely with new parents for almost 20 years, and helping them prepare for or adjusting to the new addition joining their family, whether by birth or other means, I have known some who have had the benefit of generous paid leave through their employers, and others who received no paid leave. Those who have no parental leave benefits are generally the most vulnerable members of our community who need it the most.

The benefits of paid leave are well-researched and numerous. There are economic benefits from paid leave making it more possible and appealing for women to stay in the workforce. There are decreased chances of the mother or infant becoming seriously ill or dying if they have access to paid leave.

This is not just a low-income country issue. In Utah, according to the Utah Department of Health, the top two reasons women die within the first year after giving birth are accidental drug overdose and suicide (yes, even more than medical complications during childbirth) and we give these moms a greater chance when they are able to more fully recover after the physical, mental and emotional challenges of new parenthood or childbirth and have the additional support of paid leave for their partner.

In addition, the babies whose parents have access to paid leave are more likely to meet the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics breastfeeding guidelines of being exclusively breastfed for six months.

I have spent many years teaching parents and hospital staff the numerous benefits to both the mother’s and infant’s health from breastfeeding. Many mothers struggle to continue breastfeeding and pumping breastmilk after returning to work, especially those who can only afford a few short weeks (or days!) of leave, and some employers and job types make it even more difficult.

Some may argue that these bills do not go far enough and that a more comprehensive family leave law is needed in order to allow individuals to care for other family members during times of illness and need. Though I agree, we should not miss this opportunity to provide paid parental leave now. As Winston Churchill said, “Perfection is the enemy of progress.”

We must encourage progress in this year’s legislative session for the health and future of our families, our communities and our country. Let Congress know you support paid parental leave.

Saralyn Margetts, RN, IBCLC, Bountiful, is a master of public health student at Utah State University and works in a hospital in Salt Lake City.