---
title: U.S. Lags in Paid Parental Leave
date: 2019-12-16T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/us-lags-in-paid-paternal-leave"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# U.S. Lags in Paid Parental Leave

A research study finds that the U.S. ranks last in the world on providing paid parental leave.

> Despite these transformations, the U.S. is the only country among 41 nations that does not mandate any paid leave for new parents, according to data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

[Read the full article ](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/12/16/u-s-lacks-mandated-paid-parental-leave/)

SOURCE: Pew Research Center • AUTHOR: Gretchen Livingston and Deja Thomas • LAST UPDATED: December 16, 2019

![Jakob owens M0 M FR2iedk unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)Jakob Owens/Unsplash|Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels Jakob Owens/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ first year of parenting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/first-year-of-parenting)
- [parental leave](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/parental-leave)
- [parenting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/parenting)
- [maternity leave](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternity-leave)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.

![22 A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers Families 22 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-national-paid-leave-program-would-help-workers-families)

[ResourcesRead

## The Rights of Childbearing People

Childbirth Connection's statement of rights for childbearing people

![Pexels kei scampa 3013668 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAF70lEQVRIiW1Wya4kxw2MIJnV/TQjSAcBMvzPvvjgDzQgDDSyZnndtWQmFx+qexbZ7KhcAZKZZEaT//jXPwU0lUX12uza2svSrstyaW1prZmpmqiCkmAUZlSP6DP2Mfc+tmOs+7Ht+7pt27ru63qsa9/WsW1+7DmHoVAECt9JFVDP1UJVoc7lx+8cnRNUVaG+qDg3HrCqZLGISlZmVVZmVVWeyBLJKqASqERlZmZl5rn9f+RUc+6XVUSSiUoiUzIyNfPZZSYjWQTrvKKIyozIjIiIyG9bj/zSRp5jy3CCqZJEClOYIRGSEiEiJEBWPWKQFVnu4R7h38ljOj3cY3pMz+E53GJOkizJqkAFGcIQOkVIAlVFUVCy4IUZ6R4+Y845x5xj+Bjn2L9B9Bl95pgWc5BkiFsaKggnjAzQAVRVFuX84IkZOTzG9NHHHE/p/cTsfR7dj+57j73nMczHISRFo8KRznLCSQUIoCozSS0yCp71MDB89NH7GMfRH+j9OPrex97H2mPtce+1dYt+JAlVSdNMr3LAATlzMFNUSU0wgRk1IsaMPmYfo5+a972f2Pa+7eO+z9sen7b8Y8fRbR6bUKAqrWmmoxyYBZ75nSmikDPC8Mzu2af3MY4+jqMf23Fsx75t+7rv963f1vF59T/XfLcWVmA3PzaSpcZYNHOitCAAq5CVkaIGSgKRmJHd45jz6PPofd/7vu3btm/3bbtv+23rH+/zjzXf3wq3wkfisLnfhQIzCZ+ZWjUfBoBCRlLjzFHPnHG6P48+9qPv+7Ft+3bft9u6vm77x/t4d/ePr4lPwAcBAJjvN1LKGsO1cgJKKigFZKXlmaMBeNbw6HMeYx5HP45j347tvm339f66rh/u22+38fo58DsxBFBAAJvbJxGFXSRjFhTiFIGQLDCzqFaPCJ8JOnsf/TiO7djXbV/X9XW9f7rdfvu8vn448B6AAQtggALm+wehYXkjVQpxURdVUaewpAyMeuRo5HQfY4w+zuw59m1f1/X2env/+cPr+4/4eLLdFXjzZD7z/d8iL8hfBGLSwpbQJdRFnFQFKV8MhE/3OecYc4zRj3Hsx7Ztr7fXP/7zRTuAA1iABhRgcSB1Z/2Z8hLtJdxPFtPI1GQkwAKjKr6Ku8/T0uh7v62f8Of3dP8gegIWA6II2SJGRlRE5VfGTilmFVFPedBxnowbGR6jT/xV7BlkyUQmKk8VeLww8Pn3QZDAFwDkc5kkKJSF7Xvt1+cVGSBFPGGgggIqREiBKEVIoTzwENUTamZLW96+/AT71ve3wBVop40ylAL2C/QKbVCjmohR7dRC0SJRlaRWWaY1a97a0trlcnm5vvz49sdf/4bf3+0IAV6AF+ACLGea8rJQ3qD9xPZCu9AWqtFMzERNzShaFKIqIgGrapktYvG4RFzDZ2RmqdgP727A3TAXcIEZmkINl79DGi9v2H6QdhFbtC3amlo7Wz5KioJoijTQgaXqkjkzPDOqClRt83qt28/y0S3KzosGTS4/iZgsV1leZLnKcpG2qC3aHgbOmqUAalZIkkE4yqtmlQMBFEXV5rLkD5M/h8xShwakYLy+FSqXi1yusly0XbSdh1isNbMmahQmwCyEFCXJQHnhigoggaKImLWWF8dwekpAsqRgsryhiLRF2lXaRdoi7el+W8yaqFKkAKlESIokEYADp5nzBBRV0zDH4vCULGaxYLJc5TSwXOThfpPW1JqZaTNVOw2wEqJFSeAMg1d5VaAKBCkiobOmw89i52HgIhRpTdoirYk1fcDUmlnT8wQEqyCZZCMc8KqlyrO8Ks/CDwyRVC0PRiKLVUZbRESsPWFiJqZqJqZi+vUEKDCTCFSr9MyZ2TJaZmRlVQEkk1LiiGQWqkyskaR+fVkiKqKiqqoq51sTEKwqUgGt0ky1tAiNZi3sUcslqgIoAnJSUBlFKaQq5QkVOUlChCoiQhGQqBJQtDT1f0XUxFIykZVVDxKrMoiQJIXP/uuYcs4pBEiCoKRQ+Bd24jd9nQ5VAYKq/wL/0Ip6Wogg6AAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

Childbirth Connection's statement of rights for childbearing people](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-rights-of-childbearing-people)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Addressing Institutional Racism & Health Inequality: My Perspective

Diana Namumbejja Abwoye comments on race and health disparities from her personal experiences and perspective. She calls on white accomplices to end institutional racism and achieve true diversity.

![Diana Abwoye](data:image/png;base64,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)

Diana Namumbejja Abwoye comments on race and health disparities from her personal experiences and perspective. She calls on white accomplices to end institutional racism and achieve true diversity.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/addressing-institutional-racism-health-inequality-my-perspective)

[Stories & ConversationsInteract

## A Lonely Struggle: Motherhood and Mental Health

An interactive story in which mothers explain their feelings and emotions of dealing with parenthood.

![A Lonely Struggle](data:image/png;base64,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)

An interactive story in which mothers explain their feelings and emotions of dealing with parenthood.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/a-lonely-struggle-motherhood-and-mental-health)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Raising A Child as A Masculine Identifed Woman

This panel talks candidly about the realities of being masculine identifying women and how that affects pregnancy, motherhood, and approaches to parenting

![Screenshot 2023-02-09 at 3.32.56 PM](data:image/png;base64,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)

This panel talks candidly about the realities of being masculine identifying women and how that affects pregnancy, motherhood, and approaches to parenting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/raising-a-child-as-a-masculine-identifed-woman)

[ResourcesRead

## How to Affirm & Support Your Child When They Come Out as LGBTQIA+

This article outlines how to be supportive of a child who has come out to you as LGBTQIA+.

![Sharon mccutcheon LGBTQIA family unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFOklEQVRIiWWWa5Iktw2EM8Hq2dWuR1LI5/A9fBlf3K+QbT26CGSmf1R37zhcgWCwWMH8ABRJkH/+01+Ot/rux0/vP339/o9/+P6n9/cf399/eP/6/vXL1y+fv/v89vbpdrutdVQRYRzL6pke7Zndc7Z2u8c9nokEGzYSJEUExMfnf99eTxAAAYLkw2D46uPD+LM9yLwMCPFo+dR6jXyYFiDM66sJI9e4kct3JwFyVLnIoknXN4aBMP42H0UYARLCjAkRxtWPCSFiDDhRnv4da3ktFv1kmDTxfxYRdUXAiBAjRpVxBhlEjJJBhLziwLGWVmGViiqID7sU/RQqArx+Q8y4Mn6q82HNS91CDD9TtNaslaqjqMseuhCuqCGmGFwpYowoUaWdppvpStsNDz2JYyVBklyA8qpVNeQQKswjjgwxzGLIhOC18pgpjzPlXWl6Xxhm4IGNCE4egNprHVVTnOIUhpc91Aepy/EHwKbFDN3MpjfT8KYbHnhiR04cJ8CxVtcVAbtwBTHM4KE+V37gAskLkKGH3h+soYYaFqzYD/3kqNqrVnEVm2yigQGaaeRGN0w4ZDFgEpseuOkNbXhTG95wwx0pUmQnjwiqzqqjeBBNNL6th4E7qQsQFgDEsKCB+lKHTnhDO9rRxBMp9rWIkhzFTZo8yAYaaGTijjs+4IoZG6gQsGHlSsilrjM68wJoLNm2YyPIQZ6kgAPYyCCddB6Mw0+AQeICTGainbmkz2dnW+2RJMlyHAQ4wBMw8IY0HtKX+tgdlQvmKpcZ2tBEbW3r9Nyt07p7Ts/2tDQeyw+AgyM5kwQ7GWcuXXvktg6pVCiYxSCMoclsz/ac1qm5a+7SKW1pazTSyEpsGDiSdhCPM/bIY4/U1kj9DeALoAug2Zpz5tTD7jN7Zs/MQ+IVgdIVKmNd0nOlcWZmZq0qgjHIQugL0Jqt2dOX6Nm9Z86e3XOlKQ8AcMgKXA/PrZe6ZjRrqkC6Uqg8I+hWt7pnenrv7p69e3c/AO3IUWDwGKESKkseeeQe3UY9Wn2dfUxq8SNg1HNVzW71TPfsZw3tR4ogIMHRU7UKgxockz0+xnu8WrXEEkA7D4AVTUZuTXtac9Xj9qNVWh5nckWAY/dRXlnF4Zocnd1e49XmEqmEUhZx/YPIHnlb270znd7Zjd3owR60Oc6EV1U7zr6VD69iczXXYA1Wp5axDNi2FhbBhHbka59MZxq90c3d7K491aoWOpzAiMPjft5qLdWBt2KzGqtTHa6gEljxIRSvt0Tx5DqKLvXu6q7da49baLsTJQIMHL/eb+tYb2tlFzdrs27gEaykYkT2Ki6CCJzM66xj77ps97E7LWxV2xMPICDA8ctvt3WrT7VyK76xmtVgA+vauJngqBTBIEYEDbU5Xd3VvXav3e7OFrbZ9iDzuMDg+OfPx/G5vtTht4XPVZt8IxtYSUHIzVmVIvEBMM3Z7F271+X+HmxhuzqeZPhM0d/uB+71w23lc3FXNfmKoCJiglUo4gJI1Lzcr9119jrbe3Ca2+q4kSGEmDiABdS/fq58qdo8mqtZTR7IgogjWAUSuOrxcIbd7Kk9dfa6T87JXTiFe3jGJ3MyGxBxAAUUuv591ufNt+YxWIMaYuG6sK0CHgBImMEe7uE5dZ/6fep31W+zfjF+DgWCAXNNeQJQuPMfw6/CJ/EmLIECFiIoeN4oILHFLZ7iXfWb61fVf1R/d3SVGOChzoA4AD7spMTTbGOCMQ5jDJCFF4DjdLjD07wbv5u/hH+9bqcpJEB9vGn/F2T356QZ9V80AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

This article outlines how to be supportive of a child who has come out to you as LGBTQIA+.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-affirm-support-your-child-when-they-come-out-as-lgbtqia)

[ResourcesRead

## How to Care for Your Baby at Night

A guide for parents and caregivers from the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) baby-friendly initiative.

![william-fortunato-6392916-3](data:image/png;base64,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)

A guide for parents and caregivers from the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) baby-friendly initiative.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-care-for-your-baby-at-night)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Becoming the Sex Positive Parent I Needed

Sarah grew up in a family where sex was often shrouded in guilt and shame. However she committed to being a sex-positive parent for her son, teaching him about body parts, sex, and sexuality.

![A mother and son sit on a bed together with a book in front of them.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Sarah grew up in a family where sex was often shrouded in guilt and shame. However she committed to being a sex-positive parent for her son, teaching him about body parts, sex, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/becoming-the-sex-positive-parent-i-needed)