At the National Maternal and Infant Health Summit, the focus was on urging employers to step up and support working parents, redefining the outdated concept of a “village” in child-rearing. D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson passionately challenged the traditional narrative of the village raising a child, highlighting the need for systemic support from workplaces and institutions for parents to thrive while balancing work and family. Henderson shared a telling story from her past, recalling a fiery debate in Congress over including maternity care in the Affordable Care Act. Former Senator Jon Kyl’s dismissive stance on maternity care during the discussions highlighted the lack of consensus about the necessity of basic maternal healthcare coverage. Henderson’s recounting emphasized the absence of a collective understanding, revealing the stark reality that society is not fully committed to supporting working parents through essential healthcare provisions.
The summit’s “Working Women” segment, spearheaded by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, spotlighted the progress made in D.C., notably the implementation of 12 weeks of paid parental leave starting from July 2020 and the proposal for a federal benefit in President Joe Biden’s FY24 budget plan. The conversation extended beyond traditional pregnancy-related benefits. Panellists and advocates stressed the importance of employers going beyond mere compliance with labour laws, offering comprehensive support and education on family planning. Dr. Ayanna Bennett highlighted the necessity of educating professionals earlier in their careers about benefit options, including coverage for fertility treatments like egg freezing.
Representative Ilhan Omar’s poignant recount of her personal experience with pregnancy loss added depth to the discussion, shedding light on the emotional void and societal stigmatization surrounding such events. Omar’s story underscored the necessity for employers to provide support, not just for pregnancies but also for coping with losses and emotional hardships. The imminent regulations implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act emphasize the need for accommodations not only during pregnancies but also encompass various related medical conditions, including miscarriages, fertility care, and more.
In sum, the summit’s resounding message was a call for employers and policymakers to unite and create a true “village” where working families receive genuine support, eradicating the societal isolation and challenges faced in balancing work and family life.
