For the Media:

Epilepsy Foundation Statement in Support of the Family Medical Leave Act

Landover, Md., June 23, 2005 -- The Epilepsy Foundation, on behalf of 2.7 million Americans with epilepsy, strongly supports the original intent and language of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as enacted in 1993. Since its passage, the FMLA has allowed more than 50 million American workers to take job-protected time off to care for their loved ones or themselves when they need it most. In the near future, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to recommend changes to the FMLA regulations.

The Foundation opposes changes proposed by opponents to the definition of "serious medical condition," and the recognition of "intermittent leave." In particular, the proposed longer time frame for recovery could deny coverage for employees or dependents who experience seizures, which are commonly of short duration but may have an extended impact; in addition, intermittent leave as currently defined allows people to go to doctor's visits or laboratory visits as needed, without using up more leave than necessary. The Foundation believes that the proposed changes to the definition would negate the original purpose and intent of the law, and would have a devastating negative impact on working families.

While many people with epilepsy, as well as their family caregivers, are able to maintain regular employment without interruption, others may need to miss work because of seizures, changes in medication, or to visit a doctor for regular monitoring. Before the FMLA was enacted, many people with epilepsy and their family caregivers lost their jobs because they had to take time off from work. Today, our families have benefited greatly by having a job to come back to, and employers have had the benefit of retaining grateful, dedicated employees. In fact, the vast majority of employers report that complying with the FMLA has a neutral or positive effect on productivity (84%) and profitability and growth (90%), according to a national employer survey conducted in 2000 for the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Epilepsy Foundation urges the U.S. Department of Labor to uphold the FMLA and ensure that hard-working Americans will continue to benefit from this truly family-friendly law.

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