The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 mandates that all “eligible” employees of a covered employer can take up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during any 12-month period to care for a newborn or newly adopted child; to take care of a child, parent, or spouse with a serious health problem; or to recover from one’s own serious health problem (For more information about family leave, see the Network topic page, Family Leave). Last Updated: June 2007