Family and medical leave allows eligible employees to take time off from work for specific family and health-related reasons. This can include caring for a newborn, adopting a child, or addressing serious health conditions for themselves or a family member. The leave is typically unpaid, but job protection is provided, meaning employees can return to their positions after the leave ends. In the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) governs this type of leave, ensuring that eligible workers can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. To qualify, employees must work for a covered employer and meet certain criteria regarding their work history.