Meghan Markle, an American celebrity and wife to Prince Harry has written an open letter to Congress, advocating for paid family leave in the U.S.
The letter was published on the website Paid Leave For All.
The Duchess of Sussex, in the letter, reflects on her own history, how hard her family fought to support her as she grew up, and how the epidemic has forced millions of women out of the labor field.
She wrote: “I’m not an elected official, and I’m not a politician. I am, like many, an engaged citizen and a parent. And because you and your congressional colleagues have a role in shaping family outcomes for generations to come, that’s why I’m writing to you at this deeply important time—as a mom—to advocate for paid leave.
“Over the past 20 months, the pandemic has exposed long-existing fault lines in our communities. At an alarming rate, millions of women dropped out of the workforce, staying home with their kids as schools and daycares were closed, and looking after loved ones full-time.
“The working mom or parent is facing the conflict of being present or being paid. The sacrifice of either comes at a great cost.”
Markle acknowledged in the letter that she and her family in no way face the same challenges that other families do when it comes to raising a family.
“Like any parents, we were overjoyed. Like many parents, we were overwhelmed,” Markle wrote, recalling the moment she brought home her newborn daughter. “Like fewer parents, we weren’t confronted with the harsh reality of either spending those first few critical months with our baby or going back to work. We knew we could take her home, and in that vital (and sacred) stage, devote any and everything to our kids and to our family. We knew that by doing so we wouldn’t have to make impossible choices about childcare, work, and medical care that so many have to make every single day.”
In contrast to the United States, most countries already have paid leave regulations in place for all workers, according to Markle.
She wrote: “Many other countries have robust programs that give months of time for both parents (birth or adoptive) to be home with their child. The United States, in stark contrast, does not federally guarantee any person a single day of paid leave. And fewer than one in four workers has dedicated paid family leave through their employer. I’m sure you agree that if we are to continue to be exceptional, then we can’t be the exception.”
Markle closed out her letter saying that the country should be putting families above politics and not lose sight of what’s important.
“So, on behalf of my family, Archie and Lili and Harry, I thank you for considering this letter, and on behalf of all families, I ask you to ensure this consequential moment is not lost,” Markle wrote.