True Pro Family Policies

Women supposedly have a choice to keep or terminate pregnancies. But do we really? Our society is structured in ways which promote male-oriented policies. These structures do now allow pregnancies to be anything other than career inhibiting, economically arresting, and eliminating of a women’s ability to continue or complete her education. It is time to implement approaches which encourage women to pursue pregnancy, should they desire it. These programs should include:

• paid maternity leave,
• reduced costs for pregnancy, natal, and toddler medical care,
• reduced costs for childcare,
• safer and more varied childcare options programs which realistically allow for women to pursue their education while the parent of a young child or infant,
• encouraging adoption as an option for pregnant individuals and for individuals wishing to become parents,
• encouraging the placement and support of foster children, and
• when possible, encouraging the involvement of fathers and extended family in early childcare.