Color of justiceIf I could make a law, what would it be and why? When a law is passed, it can have a significant effect on the citizens of that region. It is said that the first year of a child's life forms the foundation of their entire life. To succeed in this first year, money, time and of course love are essential. However, due to current policies in the United States, mothers are denied an easy balance between work, money, and time spent with their children. Current maternity leave policies are extremely outdated and need to be reformed to meet the needs of mothers today. If I could create one law in the United States, it would be one improving the Family and Medical Leave Act, requiring all employers to provide their employees with 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. The current maternity leave policy is that both men and women are entitled to maternity leave. 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a child, the adoption of a child or the serious state of health of a child, a spouse or a parent, as well as one's own state of health serious health. This was enacted by the Family and Medical Leave Act, passed in 1993. The intent of this law when passed was "to balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of families, to promote economic security and to preserve family integrity. Congress wanted to have workers both engaged in their jobs and in their homes. Half of the U.S. workforce is eligible for FMLA, and one Columbia graduate estimated that 20 percent of new mothers are eligible for the 12 weeks of unpaid leave. leave. However, 33% of the American workforce receives absolutely no paid leave. Only 11% of private sector workers and 17% of public sector workers have paid paternity leave... middle of paper ...... paid leave. Women should get paid maternity leave in America. Only three other countries in the world do not provide paid leave: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea. Countries with paid leave have increased breastfeeding rates, child health outcomes, greater paternal involvement in a child's life, and lower rates of child poverty. Saudi Arabia has implemented paid leave while women are not even allowed to drive. In Afghanistan, some women risk death to continue their studies, but they receive 13 weeks of paid leave. In the United States, paid maternity leave is crucial for mothers. The current policy of 12 weeks of unpaid leave is not enough for mothers. If I could make a new law, it would be to require at least 16 weeks of paid leave for mothers and fathers. Thanks to this law, families would be able to reconcile work, children, financial and domestic responsibilities..