Starting January 1st, New York employers will be required to offer up to 20 hours of paid leave within a 52-week period for pregnant workers to attend prenatal care appointments. This new policy, in addition to the existing three months of paid parental leave, aims to support expecting mothers in maintaining their health without risking their job security.
Governor Kathy Hochul, in a press release, highlighted the importance of this decision, citing research that links prenatal care to better outcomes for both mothers and infants. Attorney Harris M. Mufson explained that the aim is to ensure that working mothers don’t have to deplete their sick leave for essential healthcare needs during pregnancy.
This move by New York sets a precedent and could spark a broader national movement. Reshma Saujani, the founder of Moms First, a campaign by the nonprofit Girls Who Code, expressed hope that other states and governors will follow suit, prioritizing women’s health in the workplace.
