New bill passes house granting maternity leave for teenage moms

NEW MEXICO — Public schools in New Mexico might soon be required to grant maternity leave to teenage mothers.

A bill passed the house Friday that would require schools to give a teenage mothers and father at least ten days off after the birth of a child.

Supporters say the policy will allow the young parents to bond with their children while also completing school.

New Mexico has the highest teen birth rate and second highest dropout rate in the nation.

The legislation now moves on to the senate.