Opinion: The data is clear — Utah families need support

By Rep. Ariel Defay

Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published Jan. 26, 2026

Utah has long stood out for its strong families and high fertility rate, but recent data show the state following the same downward trend seen across the country. A Utah House working group examining the issue found two pressures consistently affecting families’ decisions about having children: the cost of living and the structure of today’s workforce.

House Bill 329 would extend paid maternity leave for state employees from six weeks to 12 weeks. Rep. Ariel Defay argues the change would give mothers and newborns more time together during a critical period while making it easier for women who want or need to work to remain in the workforce.

Research shows longer maternity leave can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce employee turnover. Defay argues the policy is one tangible way Utah can remove barriers facing parents and create conditions that make it easier for families to grow.

Read the full opinion at Deseret News.

Originally published by Deseret News on Jan. 26, 2026. Written by Rep. Ariel Defay.