Pro Life Laws and Tax Breaks for Consideration

In my many years involved as a pro-lifer, I would never conclude that some ideas could be a source of common ground for both Democrats and Republicans alike.

For years, I have been with those who would be seen praying outside of abortion facilities, counseling a woman in their hour of great need, and at times engaging in a chat with volunteers despite being met with profane intolerance.

As I grew in my involvement, mostly through my college and young adult years, I began to think about some talking points from colleagues about issues that can benefit both parties.

In the midst of the political divide and turmoil, the pro-life movement has a chance to find ways to address concerning issues for moms and families alike.

Diapers and Maternity Needs

Diapers, formulas, and other baby necessities are seeing a gradual price increase. While there have been efforts for families and friends to take part in the registry through major retailers, there is still a need for families to find ways to still afford diapers and baby food without breaking the bank.

Maybe it’s time for families to claim the money they spent on these items on tax returns or receive a credit of up to $3000. Think about it. Families shouldn’t be spending too much on these necessities.

1st Trimester Leave

Pregnant? Congratulations. Employers should offer women more maternity leave. While it applies to those who have given birth, it should also be extended to the most vulnerable stage of pregnancy.

The first trimester is a crucial part of a woman’s pregnancy, with nausea and other adjustments. Fatigue will also drain the energy of the mother going forward.

Mom and Dad become parents, and they must prepare for the arrival of their bundle of joy between the positive pregnancy test and Labor Day.

Maternity Leave

Congratulations on the birth of your son or daughter. The mom and the dad will be taking time off to bond with the child.

Here are some surprising statistics on maternity leave throughout the world

Countries with extended paid maternity leave

Norway: Offers 49 weeks of leave at 100% pay, with the option to extend to 59 weeks at 80% pay.

Bulgaria: Provides up to 58.6 weeks of leave at 90% pay, funded through social security.

Sweden: Allows for 480 days (about 68.5 weeks) of shared parental leave, with the first 390 days paid at about 80% of salary.

United Kingdom: Offers up to 52 weeks of leave, with 39 weeks paid at a rate of 90% of average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, followed by a lower rate.

Countries with shorter or partial maternity leave

United States: Has no federally mandated paid maternity leave. Only a few states and some employers offer it.

Greece: Provides up to 43 weeks of leave, with the first 17 weeks paid at 100% and the rest at a reduced rate.

Italy: Offers 20 weeks of paid leave at 80% of salary.

Australia: Provides 22 weeks of paid leave at the national minimum wage.

Maybe it’s time for the United States to look to other countries and find ways to extend maternity leave. In the meantime, there should be a debate and eventually a law passed to encourage maternity leave for mothers. Planned Parenthood has been defunded, and maybe it’s time to replace it with funding for maternity leave.

Paternity Leave

Let’s not forget the fathers. They need to take leave too and help the household situation. Fathers are the head of the household and need to bond with their newborn just as much as the mother.

The time for more pro-life, pro-woman laws is now. Funding for maternity leave can be essential in the development and growth of a child. We can hope that elected officials will meet in the middle to make some of the above proposals a reality.