Unequal family leave for working parents

Are working parents eligible for the FMLA and can they afford it?
Published: 10.14.2015 Updated: 04.21.2020

Family leave is a valuable prescription for child health. The Family and Medical Leave Act is landmark legislation that guarantees unpaid leave to eligible employees to care for themselves or a family member in times of illness, birth or adoption. New data highlight limited FMLA eligibility for working parents leave by race/ethnicity, and show that unpaid leave granted under the FMLA is unaffordable, especially for Hispanic parents.