Reflecting on Those Early Days
Meghan Markle recounts the emotions she experienced as a new mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her feelings ranged from overwhelming joy to overpowering concern as the pandemic disrupted various facilities such as hospitals and schools.
Overwhelming Reality
Like many parents, Meghan and her husband faced uncertainty during those early days. However, they were fortunate enough to avoid a common predicament: Having to choose between being with their newborn and returning to work. The pandemic allowed them to take their baby home and dedicate their full attention to their family.
Importance of Paid Parental Leave
This experience highlighted for Meghan the importance of having paid parental leave. While she and her husband were able to make this choice, many others were not so fortunate. The lack of such a policy forces parents to grapple with impossible decisions about childcare, employment, and medical resources daily.
Critical Choices
Meghan firmly believes that no family should have to make these demanding decisions. The complications of balancing earning a living and caring for a young child can be particularly taxing. A comprehensive paid leave plan would alleviate these challenges, providing families with essential support during the critical early days of parenthood.
Advocacy for Paid Parental Leave
In her letter to House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer, Meghan advocated for the implementation of national paid parental leave policies. She firmly believes that such a plan would benefit countless families in the United States and give them the freedom to focus on their children and loved ones without the fear of financial instability.
Conclusion
Meghan underscores the importance of paid parental leave for families across the nation. She believes that no family should have to face agonizing decisions between earning a living and caring for a newborn or a loved one. A comprehensive paid leave plan could address these pressing issues and provide families with the support they need during the transitional and crucial stages of parenthood.
