New Zealand has made a groundbreaking move by unanimously passing legislation that grants couples who endure a miscarriage or stillbirth three days of paid leave at full pay. This pioneering law is the first of its kind globally, extending bereavement benefits to parents who were also planning to welcome a child through adoption or surrogacy.
Previously, New Zealand employers were required to offer paid leave in cases of stillbirth, which occurs when a fetus is lost after 20 weeks. The new legislation broadens this provision to cover any pregnancy loss, regardless of the gestational stage. The law is anticipated to take effect in the coming weeks.
According to Elena Roberts, a member of Parliament who championed the bill, this legislation aims to empower individuals to take the time they need to process their grief without feeling pressured to be stoic. “It’s crucial for people to have the opportunity to heal, both physically and emotionally, after such a profound loss,” she stated. Roberts expressed hope that this initiative would inspire similar compassionate policies in other countries.
“The law provides a necessary respite for women and their partners to mourn their loss without having to rely on sick leave, which is often associated with illness,” Roberts explained to local news outlets. “Grief is not an illness; it’s a loss, and that deserves time to be addressed.”
This legislation arrives at a critical time, especially as many have faced challenging circumstances during the pandemic, which has amplified the need for supportive measures surrounding pregnancy and loss. In comparison, Australia offers unpaid leave for miscarriages beyond 12 weeks, while the UK allows paid leave after a stillbirth at 24 weeks. In the United States, there is no mandated leave for miscarriage.
Statistics from the March of Dimes indicate that around 10-15% of known pregnancies in the U.S. result in miscarriage during the first trimester, with 1-5% occurring in the second trimester. Roberts emphasized the importance of the bill for workers’ rights and highlighted the need for open discussions about miscarriage, stating, “We should not fear our bodies.”
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In summary, New Zealand’s new bereavement leave law represents a significant step forward in recognizing the emotional impact of pregnancy loss, providing couples with the necessary time to grieve and heal.