Give paid maternity/paternity leave to parents. Parents must use their sick or annual leave or take leave without pay.

Paid maternity leave should be a benefit the federal government gives it's employees. It is difficult enough for parents to deal with a new addition to the family. They should not have to worry about how to finance it if they parent has exhausted all of their annual and sick leave. If this is the case the parent must take leave without pay. The federal government allows it's military members to take paid maternity/paternity leave the same benefits should be applied to their civilian counterparts.