United States paid parental leave and infant mortality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize findings on the effects of existing paid parental leave programs on infant mortality rates (IMR) in the USA as an attempt to aid in efforts for the development of a national paid parental leave policy. Design/methodology/approach Three articles were reviewed to analyze findings on the effects of existing parental leave programs on IMR in the USA. Findings The results from the three studies analyzed indicate that unpaid parental leave and parental leave with partial wage replacement can reduce IMR in households with college educated, working mothers. Originality/value The findings in this review will aid in the ongoing efforts to develop a national paid parental leave policy in the USA.