The average working class of America is not guaranteed paid time off if they have a family emergency or become new parents, while British citizens are guaranteed 39 weeks. America is one of the few large wealthy countries in the world that does not guarantee paid parental leave.

The US Government should make paid parental leave a requirement for all businesses in America. Forty to fifty weeks should be the normal amount of paid time off for new parents to get to know their child and to get a solid ground under them before returning to work. When a person gives birth and starts a family, they need time to care for their child and time to recover physically and mentally. 

Countries around the world have had paid parental leave in play for many years and have thrived. New parents in countries with paid leave have stronger mental health and job stability. The social benefits will have a wide range, but the biggest benefit will be that new parents will be able to bond with their child. The child will learn critical life skills from spending time with their parents, and the parents’ mental health will increase in turn.

The economic benefits for the parents and their businesses are extensive. The parents will get their paycheck, put that money back into the economy, and create an economic boost for everyone. Businesses will have seasoned workers that will want to come back after their time off. Companies will not have to worry about hiring and training new workers because the parents on paid leave will return to the job that helped them out through the new chapter in their lives.