family leave – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

When I had children many years ago, I did not have paid maternity leave.

I was able to use my accumulated vacation and sick leave. But that meant that I had very little time off available the rest of the year. That was difficult, especially with young children.

First national leave law

Fortunately for other parents, our nation took a step toward a more family friendly future 25 years ago when the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became law.

Editorial

On May 5, 2016February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

A Mother’s Day gift: paid maternity leave

Did you know that women are the sole breadwinners in nearly half of U.S. households?

Yet, when women give birth to a baby, 88 percent of them are paid nothing in the weeks they take off after having a child.

These statistics were reported in an article by Cindy Goodman in the Miami Herald entitled, “Best Mother’s Day gift: paid maternity leave.”

As we approach Mother’s Day on May 8, it’s a time to thank and celebrate all mothers who gave us the gift of life.