In comparison to other countries, America is lacking in providing paternity leave for fathers. Currently, the only way a father is able to spend time with his newborn is to use unpaid leave days that are available through the Family and Medical Leave Act. These leave days are not always available to an individual, and if they are, the father might not be able to afford to take the time off. Paid paternity leave has been correlated to a decrease in postpartum depression and helps to establish a healthy bond between father and son. The father is also more likely to contribute to child care. Recently, California implemented a law that now provides six weeks of paid family leave that can be used by either parent, including same sex couples, through funds provided by employee payroll contributions. They also offer more options for the mother including partial wage replacement for women recovering form birth and four months of job-protected leave for pregnant women. Through California's success, we should follow their lead and implement this plan for the entire country.
