We need a federal law mandating paid maternity leave.
The United States is the only developed country which does not offer women paid maternity leave. Currently the Federal government through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers women up to 12 weeks of UNPAID maternity leave. However, staying at home without pay is just not an option for women who need to financially support their families.
The FMLA allows states to offer more expansive maternity leave policies. Only California, New Jersey and Rhode Island offer some version of paid maternity leave. Employers can elect to offer more generous maternity leave benefits. However, it's estimated that only 13% of families have access to paid maternity leave.
This is not a partisan issue. Ask a new mom.