Residents make the case for 18 weeks of paid parental leave.

Even though potential legislation is still months away, Allegheny County Council is ready to push discussion on paid parental leave.

During council’s June 25 public health committee meeting, four community members spoke about the impact of paid parental leave — or lack thereof. 

In May, the county’s board of health advanced a measure that would require employers of all sizes to provide 18 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child. 

Jean Stone, a registered nurse at Magee-Womens Hospital, spoke about the health consequences of not having paid leave. For instance, Allegheny County has higher rates of premature birth than the state average and that severe maternal morbidity rose by 55% between 2016 and 2022.

One county resident, Meghan Benedict, said having to quickly return to work created health complications for her daughter and weakened their bond. Four years later when her son was born, however, Benedict had paid leave. “Everything went right,” she said.

Andrew Wilkinson, who hopes to be a father, said, “We’re living in a time where employers have shown their unwillingness to do right by parents and babies without being pushed by strong laws and policies.” 

Tyler Gillette, an attorney, said there has been a concern by small business owners that the policy would make it tough for them to stay in business. 

But he added that his employer, the nonprofit Women’s Law Project, has 18 employees. The organization offers 12 weeks of paid leave, which two senior attorneys recently took simultaneously. “Our organization did not collapse,” he said. “We are stronger than ever.”

Council Member Paul Klein of Point Breeze said September is the earliest the board would vote on the proposal. If it votes in favor, the proposal then goes before council.