How Formula Companies Block Paid Maternity Leave

America’s declining birth rate is now a key issue for the Trump administration.Their response, “Operation Stork Speed,” includes tax breaks, better benefits for parents, and a government review of what goes into infant formula.

However, many experts believe the most effective solution – guaranteed paid maternity leave – has faced strong opposition for years. A major reason? The infant formula industry. Companies like Abbott and Nestlé have spent notable money on lobbying to stop federal laws requiring paid leave. This keeps the current system in place, where mothers often return to work just weeks after giving birth, leading many families to use formula because they have no other choice.