For parents with babies in the NICU, being present during this often stressful time should be their number one priority – not worrying about whether they’ll have any time left to bond with their babies at home or even a job to come back to. Legislation to expand the FMLA to provide an extra 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected time off work for NICU parents would be a lifeline for the tens of thousands of parents whose babies spend time in the NICU after birth. It would be especially helpful for very young parents, who face a high rate of preterm birth, which translates to a greater likelihood of having a baby in the NICU.
Young parents can often face unique challenges and systemic barriers, especially in the workplace. Workers between ages 16-24 are more concentrated in industries like retail and hospitality, and in roles that are part-time or seasonal – two factors make them less likely than other workers to have access to paid leave to care for themselves and their loved ones. Combined with the increased risk of maternal and infant health complications, too many young parents are left unable to keep their jobs and paycheck when their babies have intensive health needs – one of the most difficult, costly times for a growing family to lose their income.
A lack of workplace protections for parents and caregivers contributes to cycles of poverty and makes it especially difficult for young people with health and caregiving needs to build a foundation for economic security, especially when dealing with their babies’ health needs and costly hospital stays. Young parents deserve better. Laws creating more robust support in the workplace set a standard that better protects workers across industries, and can help young parents manage their and their families’ health needs, protect their jobs, and meet their career and educational goals.
Regardless of the parents’ age, NICU families have unique needs, and our workplace laws should reflect that. Colorado recently expanded its statewide paid family and medical leave program to include additional time for NICU parents, and we’re urging other states to follow suit. And as we continue to fight for a national paid family and medical leave program, we’re also urging the federal government to take immediate action by expanding the FMLA to provide additional weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for NICU parents. We must pave the way for a future where the emerging workforce is no longer forced to make impossible decisions about being there for their children when it matters most.