New York has become the first state to approve a paid maternity leave policy, set to take effect in 2025.

The groundbreaking law requires employers to offer an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave exclusively for maternity care, separate from existing sick pay, to secure employment during pregnancy.

In addition to the maternity leave mandate, Governor Kathy Hochul has expanded Medicaid coverage to include more telemedicine procedures, further supporting access to health care for families across the state.

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