Janine Boyd Announces Maternity Leave From Ohio House

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — District 9 State Representative Janine Boyd filed for maternity leave this week. Boyd recently adopted a baby boy.

“I am grateful, and indeed, overcome with joy to share with you and our colleagues that after years of being a waiting-adoptive parent, I am becoming a mom,” said Boyd in her letter to House leadership. “Therefore, it is vital that I take this irreplaceable time to bond and build a familial and chemical connection with our new baby. Our attachment as mother and son will directly influence his social-emotional development for years to come."

Boyd noted she was adopted and has spent much of her political career expanding family and kinship care services in Ohio. Earlier this year, she championed legislation creating the Kinship Navigator Program to help caregivers find local support services.

Despite taking time off to bond with her new baby, Boyd said she would continue to work on passing Aisha's Law through the Ohio Congress.

“However, with my family’s help and support, I plan to be in attendance and participate in hearings and votes regarding Aisha’s Law. As you are well aware, this priority legislation is a continuum of strengthened protections for victims of domestic violence, which Rep. Carruthers and I believe will save countless lives. It should not be delayed.”

Boyd's maternity leave started Tuesday.

Boyd's district includes Cleveland Heights, University Heights and part of Shaker Heights.