My personal ordeal began when I found myself pregnant but without any provision for paid maternity leave. The financial insecurity led me to a possible heartbreaking decision, considering an abortion. My circumstances as a high risk pregnancy allowed short term disability benefits but it underscored the stark reality; without proper support, prospective mothers are being coerced into impossible situations. Children are indeed a gift from God and if we stand against abortion, we must make it feasible to have and care for children.

In Tennessee, unfortunately, my story is not unique. Across the state, countless women face the daunting challenge of nurturing a new life without the security of paid maternity leave. Currently, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually but this does not suffice. Forcing a mother to choose between a paycheck and caring for her newborn just doesn’t seem just or humane.

Paid maternity leave has proven benefits, it leads to lower infant mortality rates and better overall health outcomes for both mother and child. (source: World Policy Analysis Center) However, the United States ranks last among developed countries for paid parental leave, with 0 weeks guaranteed. (source: OECD)

It is in full view of these realities that we call for a necessary change in policy. We urge the State to mandate all employers in Tennessee to offer paid maternity leave - because motherhood shouldn’t be a privilege for the financially secure. The wellbeing of our mothers and children should be prioritized above everything else.

Please support this cause by signing this petition. Every signature reaffirms that mothers in Tennessee, and ultimately across the nation, deserve paid maternity leave.