The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a U.S. law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons without losing their job. Employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for situations such as the birth of a child, adoption, or serious health conditions affecting themselves or family members. To qualify for FMLA, employees must work for a covered employer, have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year, and be employed at a location with 50 or more employees within 75 miles. The law aims to balance work and family responsibilities.