Dr. Isabella Taylor: Paid family and medical go away is fundamental healthcare

Isabella Taylor

As a doctor, I have taken an oath to look after my patients. I’ve been with new mothers and helped them bring new life to the world. I’ve held family members’ hands while loved ones take their last breath.

For my patients, their families, and our communities, the lack of paid family and sick leave is a huge gap in our social safety net.

Parenting is a wonderful experience, but often mothers and fathers cannot take much time off without risking their incomes. This is disadvantageous because the first few months of bonding with a newborn are really priceless. It’s a time no one can ever get back. It is crucial for the child’s development and lays emotional roots for a life full of love.

This time is not only important for the newborn. As a society, we often forget what new mothers experience after giving birth and how important it is for them to have time to heal. Whether it is a seamless birth or a full caesarean section, childbirth is extremely demanding on the body. If a new mom is concerned about going back to work, she may not be able to let her body heal properly, leading to major complications across the board.

I am a young mother and I had a difficult birth. I was initiated and worked 36 hours. I consider myself lucky that I was in a position where part of my maternity leave was still being paid. I was able to let my body recover – but even with the time and resources to slowly return to normal, I still have longstanding symptoms. I can’t imagine how much worse it would be if I had to get back to work earlier.

My son Henry is now 10 months old and all of this pain has been worth it for my beautiful boy. Having paid vacation not only enabled me to heal and bond with him, but also didn’t have to struggle with the mental gymnastics like getting his next box of diapers (so many diapers), bottle, or clothes. I didn’t have to worry about childcare right away or what happens when I work a shift and something goes wrong.

It is also important to acknowledge that not everyone becomes a parent in the same way. Two of my closest friends have just become foster parents to a wonderful young girl. Adjusting to this new life – for the child, for my friends and as a family – takes time and a lot of patience.

Paid family and sick leave not only benefit new parents; Older patients and their families would also benefit. I have diagnosed and treated too many people with depression, grief, and fear of juggling work and taking care of their sick or aging loved ones. Whether it is a slow decline or a medical emergency, the main focus should be on taking care of the people they love the most, rather than the fear of not being able to pay their bills.

The bottom line is that paid family and sick leave is an investment in our employees and communities, and in our emotional, physical, and mental health. The legislature has just passed a bill (LD 1559) that would create a commission whose sole purpose is to develop a program for paid family and sick leave.

I hope Governor Mills signs this bill and we can take this small but significant step together as strong and resilient Mainers.

Dr. Isabella Taylor from Lewiston is a general practitioner.

Wrong username / password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you’ve sent your account email, we’ll send you an email with a reset code.

similar posts