MHN Calls For Congress to Act in Developing Legislation and Policy Supporting Family Leave
WASHINGTON — Men’s Health Network (MHN) is encouraged by comments made by President Trump to Congress supporting legislation and policy for family leave. MHN is calling on Congress to support inclusive legislation and policy that also recognizes the vital role that fathers play in the family structure.
“Men are a crucial part of the family structure. Family leave that includes paternity leave will give fathers time to bond with their newborns—this is important for both parents,” said Ana Fadich, VP of MHN. “We fully support and encourage Congress to draft legislation and policies that makes family leave available to all Americans.”
During his first address to Congress last night, President Trump called for “both parties to make child care accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents that they have paid family leave.” MHN believes men are a vital component to families, as studies show that paternity leave provides a number of unique benefits to children, women, businesses, and men themselves.
“I am very encouraged to hear President Trump talk about leave for parents of newborns,” said Dr. Salvatore Giorgianni, PharmD, and Chair Emeritus of the Men’s Health Caucus of the American Public Health Association. “This acknowledgment of the important role of fathers and mothers in the first few weeks of bringing home a new family member underscores this Administration’s commitment to helping to build strong families.”
A father’s ability to bond with a newborn has a profound impact on the child’s life improving school performance, mental health outcomes, and reducing the likeliness of drug and alcohol abuse.
“Family leave that is inclusive of fathers is a win-win for families and communities,” said Armin Brott, an advisor to MHN and bestselling author of books on fatherhood. “Fathers that are able to engage with their newborns help create stronger, healthier families.”
Whatever form parental leave might take paid or not, newborns benefit when both parents have time to spend with them.
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About Men’s Health Network Men's Health Network (MHN) is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health awareness messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and Facebook at www.facebook.com/menshealthnetwork. For more information on MHN's ongoing Dialogue on Men's Health series, visit www.dialogueonmenshealth.com