Topic: Improving postpartum depression through increased paid family leave. Law RCW 50A.15.020. Medical diagnosis: Post partum depression. ICD-10 F53.0
Audience: Senator Rebecca Saldana. She is the Chair of the Washington Senate and Labor Commerce Committe, that is responsible for reviewing the legislation regarding paid family leave.
Jurisdiction: Washington state.
Problems that need to be solved: Washinton’s Paid Family Leave provides partial wage replacement. However, eligible workers still experience reduced income after taking leave following childbirth. This income reduction risks causing financial strain, particularly for lower income families. In turn, this can contribute to mental stress during the post partum period, thus increasing the risk of post partum depression. Our group proposes to amend RCW 50A.15.020, by increasing wage replacement from 90% to 100% for eligible lower income workers. Our proposal’s intent is to promote financial stability and maternal mental well being by reducing income loss during the post partum period.