The Allegheny County Health Department announced a proposal Wednesday that, if passed, would require all employers in the county to offer at least 18 weeks of paid parental leave, a rare move for local governments.
The proposal would amend the county health code’s Article XXIV, which already guarantees paid sick leave. The county’s Board of Health unanimously approved moving the proposal to a 30-day public comment period.
“Recovery from childbirth is a medical necessity, and right now not enough people in Allegheny County have adequate access to appropriate paid leave,” ACHD Director Iulia Vann said in a press release. “Paid parental leave gives families the time they need to heal, bond, attend critical medical appointments, and protect their child’s health during one of the most important developmental periods of life.”…