Paid Maternity Leave

 On April 26, 2024, Addison submitted arguably the most important legislation in DC history regarding maternity leave. One Year of Paid Maternity Leave For women as soon as they start their third trimester.  This legislation will help address pregnancy related complications, infant mortality, and postpartum depression, in which Black Women and Latina Women are more at risk.

Background 

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Black women are 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than White women.  Black women are 43 percent more likely to have a miscarriage than White women and are 80 percent more likely to develop postpartum depression than White women. Latina women are nearly two times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than White women and 40 percent more likely to suffer from postpartum depression than White women. Black women and Latina women are less likely to receive treatment for postpartum depression, therefore ending up suffering in silence. Black infants are twice as likely to die in the first year than White infants.  Asian women are 9 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts during the postpartum period than White women. 

Currently, pregnant women only get two weeks of prenatal paid leave in DC. This means they only get two weeks of paid leave to care for their pregnancy before giving birth. Once giving birth, pregnant women in DC only get 12 weeks or three months to spend time with their new-born. This is inhumane. Doctor's report that going back to work before six months after giving birth increases the risk of postpartum depression.  

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Addison Sarter's Legislation For Paid Maternity Leave 

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 Addison Sarter proposed legislation that would give women 1 year of paid maternity leave.

 Pregnant women working in DC would go on fully paid maternity leave once they start their third trimester, which is known as one of the most difficult times of pregnancy for a woman. Addison's legislation would also allow pregnant women working in DC to receive nine months of full paid leave after giving birth. Lastly the legislation would allow the significant other/spouse of a pregnant women to receive full pay while working only half-days during the third trimester, to care for their spouse. This only applies to significant others who work in DC.

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