Mandate paid maternity leave and paternity leave for new all parents.

The United States is one of just two other countries out of 178 that does not mandate paid maternity leave for new mothers. Though the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) signed by President Clinton does guarantee 12 weeks of leave per year, the leave is unpaid and is only required for businesses with 50 or more employees. While some businesses do choose to offer paid leave, according to the 2012 National Study of Employers, 42% of mothers and 86% of fathers who took leave did not receive any income. Paid maternity and paternity leave ensures that all families are able to pay their bills while they are caring for a newborn child, and that benefits all Americans. It is time for the United States to mandate paid leave for new parents.