Legal Question in Medical Leave in Virginia
FMLA for a father-to-be using a surrogate
Can an employer state that an employee cannot start FMLA until the birth of his child ? They are telling me that since I am not married to the mother of my child (I am using a surrogate), that I cannot be there for the birth, despite that the FMLA states ''for the birth of a newborn child.''
Can I take leave just prior to her due date (it's a cross country flight to where she lives), or do I have to miss the birth of my child ?
Asked on 9/18/07, 1:48 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson
Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson
Re: FMLA for a father-to-be using a surrogate
No, the language of the FMLA would seem to clearly include the birthing event itself and does not require that the employee be married to the one giving birth.
Answered on 9/18/07, 9:23 am