The color of justiceIf you could make a law, what would it be and why? When a law is passed, it can have a great effect on the citizens of that area. It has been said that the first year of a child's life forms the fundamental foundation of his or her entire life. To make the first year successful, money, time and, of course, love are key. However, due to the current policies that exist in America, mothers are denied an easy balance of work, money, and time for their children. Current maternity leave policies are extremely outdated and need to be reformed to accommodate today's mothers. If I could create one law in America, it would be a law that updated the Family and Medical Leave Act, requiring all employers to give their employees 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. The current maternity leave policy provides that both men and women are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a child, the adoption of a child or the serious health of a child, spouse or a parent and their serious health condition. This was implemented by the Family and Medical Leave Act, passed in 1993. The intent of this act at the time of its passage was to “balance the needs of the workplace with the needs of families, promote economic security, and preserve the 'integrity of the family'. Congress wanted to have workers who were well engaged in their workforce and in their homes. Half of the U.S. workforce is eligible for FMLA, and one Columbia graduate estimates that 20% of new mothers are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid work. Start. However, 33% of the American workforce has absolutely no paid leave. Only 11% of private sector workers and 17% of public sector workers had paid paternal leave…half of paper…paid leave. In America, women should be given paid maternity leave. Only three other countries in the world do not provide paid leave: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Papua New Guinea. Countries with paid leave have increased breastfeeding rates, child health outcomes, greater paternal involvement in the child's life, and lower child poverty rates. Saudi Arabia paid leave when women aren't even allowed to drive. In Afghanistan, some women risk death to get an education, but are given 13 weeks of paid leave. Paid maternity leave in America is crucial for mothers. The current policy of 12 weeks of unpaid leave is not adequate enough for mothers. If I could make a new law, it would mandate at least 16 weeks of paid leave for mothers and fathers. Thanks to this law, families would effectively be able to balance work, children, financial and domestic responsibilities.