by Warren Rojas
It takes some women without paid family leave over a decade to make their way back into the workforce.
The lack of support greatly limits their participation and lifelong earning potential, according to a study conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
Beneficiaries of state-sponsored paid leave programs in California and New Jersey tell a different story.
The report, commissioned by the March of Dimes Center for Social Science Research, cites a 20% dip in the number of women who left their jobs within a year of having a child. It found a 50% drop in similar situations over five years. Nearly 30% of those without access to paid leave were projected to quit in the first year, with one in five expected to disappear until their child becomes a tween.
“Most Americans will face the demands of having a baby and many have to make serious sacrifices that affect much more than their finances,” Dr. Rahul Gupta, chief medical and health officer at the March of Dimes, said. “More states must follow the lead of California and New Jersey.”
