Families thrive when both parents share the responsibility of caring for their newborn child. Now, more than ever before, an increasing number of new fathers are applying for paternity leave to bond with their children, surpassing the number of mothers in California’s paid leave program.
The U.S. does not guarantee new fathers the right to paid leave after the birth of their baby. Paternity leave has historically been perceived as “unnecessary,” with expectations for men to focus solely on their work. Gender inequality in both the workplace and the home is reinforced by skepticism toward fathers who take leave. Family leave is often seen as necessary only for mothers—both for physical and emotional recovery and because women are traditionally expected to manage household responsibilities.
Paternity leave promotes stronger relationships, not only with the child, but especially between the parents. New dads taking dedicated time to support their partners allow them to team up to figure out parenting duties together. Greater presence from fathers and equal division of household and care work reduces the burden of parenting that often falls onto mothers and birthing peoples.
To fill the gap, California has offered employees of all genders up to 8 weeks of paid bonding leave since 2004. Funded by the California State Disability Insurance, the program covers 18 million employees in the state with compensation upwards of 70 to 90% of their wages. (Source) Parents can use their paid family leave benefits within a year of the baby’s birth. Just last year, around 51% of men filed claims for paid family leave, compared with only 18% when the program initially started.
California has steadily increased paid family leave benefits to address inequities in who was able to utilize leave. Low-income earners were heavily impacted at a disproportionate rate, as workers earning less than $20,000 annually could not afford to lose a part of their income to bond with a new child.
What has led to the dramatic rise in the number of male applicants for the first time in program history?
The biggest factor is attributed to greater awareness of the California program and its benefits. Alongside changes in our understanding of gender roles in the modern era, the narrative surrounding fatherhood is shifting positively as more dads are prioritizing quality bonding time with their children.
4th Trimester knows that paid leave has positive impacts on the entire family. Healthy foundations built in the home can increase positive mental health outcomes, lower rates of postpartum depression for both parents, and decrease infant mortality rates. Paid family leave is an absolute necessity for all, rather than a benefit exclusively reserved for one parent. Families deserve to heal, to care for each other, and to spend meaningful time together with their loved ones.
We are launching RISE —Resources for Income, Shelter, and Empowerment— our new pilot program centering unconditional cash assistance to support single mothers throughout LA County with practical, wrap-around postpartum support. We firmly believe that all parents require the proper resources to truly thrive, and through your support, families can take steps towards a future they deserve.
Cover photo: Ethan and baby at home, Wildfire Relief program participants. Photo by Cayla Willingham.
