On Monday, May 13th at 1:30 p.m. EST, the Niskanen Center held a virtual discussion of innovative ways to support new parents based on our new report, Left out: A framework for noncontributory paid parental leave.
The weeks and months following the birth of a new child are an extraordinary time for parents. For first-time parents, in particular, it is an essential opportunity to bond with their baby, cultivate and improve their caregiving skills, and develop a foundation for a healthy bond. They should not have to worry that doing so will sacrifice their family’s economic security.
Most countries have addressed this by establishing paid parental leave programs that guarantee job-protected leave and provide partial wage replacemend to new parents so they can afford to spend time with their newborn. Mothers and fathers rely on these vital programs during a delicate period in their child’s life. But what about parents who, for various reasons, might not be eligible for these programs?
Full video below: