Amend the Family and Medical Leave Act to offer paid maternity leave

Out of 178 nations, the U.S. is one of three that does not offer paid maternity leave benefits, let alone paid leave for fathers, which more than 50 nations offer. The Family and Medical Leave Act only offers 12 weeks of unpaid leave for parents (who have been on their jobs for 1,250 hours or 12 months), which is extremely tough and places many Americans in a position if risking financial loss at the time when they need an income the most. Neighboring countries such as Canada offer 50 weeks of paid leave, down to Pakistan, South Africa and Mexico who offer 12 weeks. Without guaranteed paid maternity leave, many working women face significant financial hardship by having to choose between their paycheck and their families.