JOURNAL OF BUSINESS DIVERSITY

Barefoot, Pregnant and (Not Very) Happy: Management and Healthcare Reasons for Paid Parental Leave in the U.S.

Author(s): Michaeline Skiba

Citation: Michaeline Skiba, (2016) "Barefoot, Pregnant and (Not Very) Happy: Management and Healthcare Reasons for Paid Parental Leave in the U.S.," Journal of Business Diversity, Vol. 16, Iss. 1, pp. 115-123

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted to require employers to provide twelve weeks of unpaid and job protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child, and for those dealing with a seriously ill relative. This paper will provide a brief overview of the FMLA’s flaws, why it is now necessary to correct them, and primarily concentrate on issues related to the birth of a child versus adoption and dependent care coverage as provided in the Act. Furthermore, this paper will examine recently proposed legislation and provide other recommendations for future improvements.