Paid Family Leave Ensures Health Equity for All

Nationwide, only an estimated 13% to 14% of workers have access to employer-sponsored PFL. State-level PFL policies have important health equity implications because they can expand the availability of PFL beyond the higher-paying, salaried jobs that are most likely to offer it as a benefit. However, only 5 states and the District of Columbia have enacted PFL policies. This fact sheet describes the positive health effects of paid leave for families, young children, and women, and highlights aspects of existing state PFL policies that promote more equitable access by increasing its availability to all working parents.