Limited FMLA eligibility and affordability for black and Hispanic fathers

Published: 10.16.2015 Updated: 04.21.2020

The Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected, unpaid leave to eligible workers for a birth or adoption, for a worker's own serious illness, or to care for a seriously ill family member. Just over half of employed fathers are eligible under the FMLA, but only 43% are potentially able to afford unpaid leave and there are strong inequities for black and Hispanic fathers.