The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a U.S. law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and health-related reasons, such as illness, childbirth, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. It ensures employees can manage important personal or family needs without losing their job, typically providing up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period. Employers are required to maintain health benefits during the leave and restore employees to their same or equivalent position upon return.