Following the passage of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993, which grants workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, there has been a growing trend of companies offering paid paternity leave. However, many men are reluctant to take paid paternity leave even when it is offered, because they feel it will put them at a disadvantage in the workplace. Common fears include being seen as less committed to their careers and passed over for raises and promotions. If paid paternity leave is to become an accepted workplace practice, more men must start asking for it.
See "More fathers taking time off", Dan Rafter, Chicago Tribune, November 4, 2003