Studies show that the number of working women ages 25-54 has not only surpassed its pre-pandemic level, but it is also higher than data from 1948. Mothers’ employment is above pre-pandemic levels as well. However, the recovery of child care employment is behind the rest of the economic recovery, thus presenting women with the challenge of balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. The Biden-Harris administration recently passed the FY23 funding bill, which included more funding for early care and education and protects pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women through the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. This brings the country a step closer to ensuring mothers can work as they choose while being able to take care of their families.
■ whitehouse.gov

This article was originally published in August 2023.