United States Employment Guide

Maternity Leave in the United States

In the U.S., the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides federal protection for pregnancy-related leave. Eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth and care of a newborn. Unless the employer specifies otherwise, this leave must be taken continuously.

To qualify for FMLA leave, employees must meet the following criteria:

• Have been employed by the company for at least 12 months
• Have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during the previous 12-month period
• Work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius

Paternity Leave Policies

There is no specific federal mandate for paternity leave in the United States beyond the general provisions of the FMLA. However, some progressive companies, such as SailGlobal, offer paid paternity leave as part of their benefits package to support new fathers.

Parental Leave Under FMLA

Parental leave in the U.S. is governed by the FMLA, allowing either parent to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within one year following the birth or adoption of a child. This leave is typically continuous unless the employer approves an alternative arrangement.

Eligibility requirements mirror those for maternity leave:

• At least 12 months of employment with the current employer
• A minimum of 1,250 hours worked in the past year
• Employment at a site with 50 or more employees within 75 miles

Medical and Sick Leave Provisions

The FMLA also covers medical leave for serious health conditions affecting the employee or an immediate family member. Eligible staff can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for qualifying medical issues.

Qualifying conditions include:

• Inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical facility
• Ongoing treatment by a healthcare provider for a serious health condition

For example, an employee at SailGlobal used FMLA leave to care for a spouse recovering from surgery, highlighting the law’s flexibility in supporting work-life balance.