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Latino families less likely to have parental leave

President Obama voiced support for paid parental leave in a country that has fallen behind most of the developed world when it comes to family benefits,…

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This week, President Obama advocated for the U.S. to offer paid parental leave so that parents of newborns can ensure the health of their child and family, as well as their economic situation and career. 

Among dozens of countries that offer government-protected time off for parents, the U.S. ranks last, according to data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Some private and public companies voluntarily offer parental leave, but workers in the vast majority of states are not guaranteed any paid time off, not even to give birth. A 20-year-old law requires that companies give workers up to 12 unpaid weeks off. Even workers who can afford months with no paycheck must eventually choose between their career and their newborn in states where most daycare costs more than public college tuition

Latino parents are disproportionately affected by the lack of parental leave, and are less likely to be paid or guaranteed time off, according to data compiled by the Center for American Progress. Because Latinos are more likely to work low-wage or part-time jobs with few benefits, just 38 percent of Latinos have the option of paid sick leave and 25 percent have paid parental leave, whereas more than 40 percent of all other workers have the option. 

A University of Minnesota study released in December last year found lack of maternity leave affects the health of mothers and children, in addition to family's economic well-being. Around the same time that the study was released, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) introduced a bill to fund paid leave by adding a 0.2 wage tax, or 2 cents taken out of every $10, but the bill has not moved forward since it was introduced. 

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