Paid Family Leave Has Stalled in Congress for Years. Here’s Why That’s Changing

Carrie Carpenter started as a full-time waitress at a South Dakota Cracker Barrel in 2016. Seven months later, she had her fourth child.

Before her daughter Celena was born that August, Carpenter was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The temporary insulin deficiency resulted in additional doctor's appointments and even higher medical bills, but it also meant that Carpenter had to deliver her baby as soon as she reached full-term.

Carrie Carpenter started as a full-time waitress at a South Dakota Cracker Barrel in 2016. Seven months later, she had her fourth child. Before her daughter Celena was born that August, Carpenter was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The temporary insulin deficiency resulted in additional doctor's appointments and even higher medical bills, but it also meant that Carpenter had to deliver her baby as soon as she reached full-term.