The idea that longer parental leave would be best for people is not up for debate.

The data is unimpeachable. Longer leave with guaranteed pay after welcoming a child improves outcomes for parents and children alike.

But what is best and what is feasible are not always the same thing.

That tension sits at the center of Allegheny County’s proposal to mandate 18 weeks of paid parental leave for employees at businesses of every size.

Ideally, everyone would have the opportunity to spend as much time at home as possible after a major medical event or life change. People should be able to recover from surgery, mourn a loss, adjust after welcoming a child through birth or adoption, or adapt to bringing an aging relative into the home.

Plenty of countries have made it work. From Canada to Japan, Austria to New Zealand, mandating varying amounts of paid leave happens around the world.

While the United States has no national requirement, 14 states and the District of Columbia do. Others have voluntary programs. Pennsylvania increasingly sits between states with paid leave policies. New Jersey and New York already have them in place, while Delaware and Maryland are set to begin theirs.

But that reality is balanced by another. Allegheny County is surrounded by counties that would not have the same demands of their employers.

Businesses are understandably anxious about the impact on their bottom line.

UPMC is not just one of Pittsburgh’s largest employers but a state leader as well. It is a massive medical provider with billions of dollars in assets.

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital nurse Jean Stone spoke in favor of the proposal at Wednesday’s county board of health meeting. She said Magee nurses advocate strongly for paid leave.

UPMC provides it — for two weeks.

It makes sense that mom-and-pop restaurants and corner stores and other small businesses keeping the doors open on a shoestring budget are afraid of what 18 weeks of leave will cost.

It might mean nine paychecks for someone who is not at their desk — or another nine for the person filling in.

For some, it might cost everything.

There is a reason that federal Family and Medical Leave Act requirements do not apply to every business. It’s a recognition that what is ideal is not always possible. A business isn’t helping the employee if the business closes.

The county’s instinct to support women and families is admirable. But fearing the financial fallout doesn’t make employers the bad guys.