New Research Highlights Parental Leave Access
Parents in select states can check their workplace benefits for voluntary leave programs that may be available without mandates.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Child Care
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Should private employers voluntarily offer paid parental leave in your area without state mandates?
A new study on parental leave reveals that many private-sector employers in states without mandates, including Arkansas and Illinois, offer company-funded leave despite common economic fears. Most of these businesses report that providing this benefit costs them nothing extra.
Why it matters
Understanding employer-provided leave availability helps families navigate their post-birth financial and logistical planning in states that currently lack private-sector mandates. The research highlights that voluntary initiatives are the primary driver of access in these regions.
Current data shows that 28.6% of Nebraska employers and 16% of Mississippi employers offer paid parental leave, compared to usage rates like 41.7% for Arkansas fathers. Businesses can also utilize the federal Section 45S tax credit to support these programs.
The players
Emily Oster
An economist and author known for data-driven research on pregnancy, parenting, and family decision-making.
Rebecca Jack
A researcher focused on labor economics and family policy metrics.
Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America
A nonprofit organization launched in 2026 to advocate for maternal and child health resources.
The details
Employers commonly provide these benefits by using short-term disability tools, PTO-bridging, and pooled risk models rather than creating entirely new payroll categories. This approach allows firms to structure leave as a benefit without incurring new, permanent overhead. By leveraging existing insurance structures, companies avoid the primary economic fears that often deter them from establishing formal, company-funded parental leave policies.
Timeline
2008-2013 was the comparison group period for study participants.
2022-2026 was the study window for parental leave usage.
2026 marks the official launch of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America nonprofit.
The Home Front
The landscape of family leave remains fragmented due to the lack of private-sector mandates in many states, forcing families to rely on voluntary employer policies. This creates significant variation in household financial security depending on a parent's specific workplace culture.
Review your current employee handbook or benefits portal to see if your company utilizes short-term disability or PTO-bridging for parental leave. If your employer does not offer these benefits, check if you qualify for federal or state-level protections or alternative tax-advantaged savings.
The takeaway
Voluntary leave programs are more common than many families realize, often costing businesses little to implement. Review your specific benefits package and verify if your company participates in federal Section 45S credit programs that could potentially expand your leave options.
Further reading
For more insight into managing family resources and work-life balance, visit our Child Care hub.
More information
Find the full study and state-specific data on the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AMP.
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Should private employers voluntarily offer paid parental leave in your area without state mandates?
