APA Dictionary of Psychology

time off (paid or unpaid) from work to address family responsibilities, such as the birth or adoption of a child or the care of an immediate family member with a serious health condition. In the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 provides eligible full-time employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. Globally, the majority of developed countries have legislated parental leave policies with varying periods of paid time off to care for children after birth.