‘Serena Had a Difficult Child Birth With Life -Threatening Complications’- Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Details Why Paternity Leave Is So Important

American tennis star Serena Williams had an eventful 2017. She married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and the couple welcomed their first child together. However, with the birth of their daughter Olympia, Serena faced some difficulties and needed care. Her husband stepped up at the moment, keeping his family a priority over his work.

Since then the 39-year-old has been actively vocal about a federal family-leave policy that allows a father to take leaves and spend time with his wife and newborn. Recently, he opened up about his stand in an interview.

Alexis Ohanian on paternity leaves

Speaking about the issue, the Reddit cofounder recalled the time he became a father and how it made him think about the changes that are needed in the policy. “The switch flipped in 2017 when Serena had a difficult childbirth with life-threatening complications. There was no way I would want anyone to go through something like that and think, Do I stay here with my wife and newborn or do I go back to work?” He said.

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Further, he spoke about the advantage he got after taking the time off from work at a crucial time. “It undoubtedly created strong bonds with not just my daughter, but with my wife. Me being able to rise to that occasion. Because paid leave was an option for me at Reddit, where I was the executive chairman at the time—meant a better health outcome for Serena and our daughter,” he added.

He also spoke about how at Reddit it was a crucial part of HR policy to have a great family leave plan. “If we could encourage men to take advantage of it as often as women did, then we’d destigmatize an issue women face in the workforce. It would remove that element of the bias,” he concluded.

What’s next for Serena Williams

Serena Williams returned to action in the Wimbledon Championships 2022. However, she crashed out of the first round of the tournament. Playing after a long time, she looked rusty, and her lack of practice was evident.

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The 23-time Grand Slam champion will be participating in the National Bank Open in Toronto. Further, she has also registered for the Cincinnati Masters, in lead up to the US Open.

As Serena gears up for the Slam at home, it will be interesting to see how she performs.