To mark Mother's Day, the National Partnership for Women & Families has released a new resource, The Best Mother’s Day Gifts From Congress: Policies Moms Need to Thrive. The fact sheet lays out what moms and working women need from lawmakers this Mother’s...
![What, No Tiara?](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/christine-bechtel.jpg)
What, No Tiara?
by Christine Bechtel | Feb 8, 2011 | Digital Health
Recently, a reporter conducted an analysis of the people considered to be “the most powerful” in the field of health information technology (IT).
![On the FMLA Anniversary, Let’s Focus on the Unmet Needs of Working Families](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PortiaWu2010-2.jpg)
On the FMLA Anniversary, Let’s Focus on the Unmet Needs of Working Families
by Portia Wu | Feb 5, 2011 | Family Medical Leave Act
18 years. That’s how long the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been in place. It was the first bill President Clinton signed into law and it remains one of the proudest accomplishments of his presidency.
![California Passes the Nation’s Paid Family Leave Test](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Vicki_Shabo.jpg)
California Passes the Nation’s Paid Family Leave Test
by Vicki Shabo | Feb 3, 2011 | Paid Leave
More than eight years ago, California lawmakers showed a historic commitment to working families in their state by establishing the nation’s first paid family leave program. Earlier this month, six-and-a-half years after the program was implemented, the results of its test are in—and they send a compelling message to employers, workers and lawmakers throughout the country.
![Real Family Values](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meg-renner.jpg)
Real Family Values
by Megan Renner | Jan 25, 2011 | Maternal Health
Every year roughly four million women give birth in the United States, and most of them (more than three-quarters) start out breastfeeding. Study after study has affirmed the value of breastfeeding in protecting both mothers and children from a host of acute and chronic diseases and conditions, saving billions in health care costs. Breastfeeding mothers also report feeling more closely bonded with their babies—a factor which may lower the risk of postpartum depression.
![Time to Protect Common Sense.](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/debra-ness.jpg)
Time to Protect Common Sense.
by Debra L. Ness | Jan 22, 2011 | Reproductive Rights
![Time to Protect Common Sense.](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/debra-ness.jpg)
Shame on Them!
by Debra L. Ness | Jan 20, 2011 | ACA
For decades, women and families have been penalized by punitive and predatory insurance practices that have restricted their access to quality, affordable care. But the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is changing that. It is the greatest advance for women’s health in a generation.
![Record High Number of Discrimination Claims Alarming](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sarah-crawford.jpg)
Record High Number of Discrimination Claims Alarming
by Sarah Crawford | Jan 18, 2011 | Fair Pay
Last week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)—the agency that enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination—announced that charges of discrimination hit an unprecedented level in 2010. News coverage over the past few days has focused on who or what is to blame, and what this could mean for the future.
![California Passes the Nation’s Paid Family Leave Test](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Vicki_Shabo.jpg)
New Data a Sobering Reminder that Nation’s Policies are Failing Millions of Workers, Families
by Vicki Shabo | Jan 12, 2011 | Paid Sick Days
Few workplace policies in the United States recognize the dual demands of work and family. Our lack of a paid sick time standard is a prime example.
![On the FMLA Anniversary, Let’s Focus on the Unmet Needs of Working Families](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PortiaWu2010-2.jpg)
An Important Step Toward Economic Security for Women of Color
by Portia Wu | Dec 22, 2010 | Paid Sick Days
We often talk about the importance of a for families’ economic security and our public health — but paid sick days are also an issue of basic fairness.
![California Passes the Nation’s Paid Family Leave Test](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Vicki_Shabo.jpg)
A Step in the Right Direction
by Vicki Shabo | Dec 17, 2010 | Paid Sick Days
Our country needs more adequate, reasonable and flexible sick leave policies. Tens of millions of workers in this country don’t have a single paid sick day. Many of those who do can’t use them to meet their family’s health needs. As a result, kids and their parents are forced to go to school or work sick, contagion spreads, and public health suffers.
![How Far Have We Come When it Comes to Covering Women’s Birth Control? We Shall See.](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Partnership-logo-500x500px.png)
How Far Have We Come When it Comes to Covering Women’s Birth Control? We Shall See.
by Marya Torrez | Dec 14, 2010 | Reproductive Rights
Ten years ago today, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that refusing to cover prescription contraception in an employee health plan – if other similar preventive services and prescription drugs were covered in that plan -violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the amendment to Title VII, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. It was a monumental victory for women, many of whom spend the majority of their reproductive lives (approximately three decades) trying to avoid an unintended pregnancy. Women rely on contraception to plan their families, and appropriately and safely space their children.
![It’s Politics v. Science. Again.](https://nationalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/judith-lichtman.jpg)
It’s Politics v. Science. Again.
by Judith L. Lichtman | Dec 1, 2010 | Reproductive Rights
It’s a fact: Contraceptive use improves overall health. It enables women to plan and space their pregnancies. It has contributed to dramatic declines in maternal and infant mortality. And it has been a driving force in reducing unintended pregnancies and the need for abortion.