Longer Maternity Leaves in Illinois
Location
A129
Document Type
Presentation
Type
EnACT
UN Sustainable Development Goal
UNSDG #5: Gender Equality
Start Date
24-4-2024 9:50 AM
End Date
24-4-2024 10:05 AM
Abstract
After the birth of a child, it is crucial for their development that they have a parent present in those delicate first few months. A parent must be around to care for their child and guide them through infancy. For the first 6 months of a child’s life, they are completely dependent on their mother, as it is recommended that children are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their life. Many countries around the world recognize this need; the European Union requires organizations to provide up to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. In Illinois however, only 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid maternity leave is allotted. We must combat this issue by allowing women more paid maternity leave. It is unfair that women in Illinois should have to go back to work and leave their children so soon after giving birth. We can incentivize businesses to grant women these benefits by giving them government grants. This can be funded by requesting grants from the federal government or increasing taxes on substances such as alcohol and cigarettes. Public companies can also partner with other private ones to help establish funds meant for long paid maternity leaves.
Longer Maternity Leaves in Illinois
A129
After the birth of a child, it is crucial for their development that they have a parent present in those delicate first few months. A parent must be around to care for their child and guide them through infancy. For the first 6 months of a child’s life, they are completely dependent on their mother, as it is recommended that children are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their life. Many countries around the world recognize this need; the European Union requires organizations to provide up to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. In Illinois however, only 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid maternity leave is allotted. We must combat this issue by allowing women more paid maternity leave. It is unfair that women in Illinois should have to go back to work and leave their children so soon after giving birth. We can incentivize businesses to grant women these benefits by giving them government grants. This can be funded by requesting grants from the federal government or increasing taxes on substances such as alcohol and cigarettes. Public companies can also partner with other private ones to help establish funds meant for long paid maternity leaves.