Hawai‘i is often considered the most progressive state in the country. But the state’s parental-leave policies and their overwhelming checklists and loopholes lead to little support for those considering welcoming new life.
More than a decade ago, Hawai‘i became the first state in the nation to give mothers the right to take home their placentas after childbirth. This has helped revitalize indigenous birthing rights and traditions and enabled holistic maternity practices on the islands.