On March 25, major news outlets reported on New Zealand’s newly approved legislation that grants women and their partners three days of paid leave following a miscarriage or stillbirth. Initially, I felt a sense of joy, as this represents a significant acknowledgment that pregnancy loss is a reality that necessitates both physical and emotional healing. Ginny Anderson, the MP who introduced the bill, emphasized that it allows couples to grieve without depleting their sick leave. “Grief is not an illness; it is a loss that requires time,” she stated.
I can relate to this deeply. After experiencing four pregnancy losses myself, I was forced to return to work far too soon after each event, often having exhausted my sick leave. The statistic that one in four pregnancies ends in loss highlights that in a workplace with hundreds of employees, at least one woman is likely grappling with this heartache at any given moment. For some, these losses involve severe medical complications. Two of my pregnancies were ectopic, one necessitating emergency surgery and the other requiring a drug typically used for cancer treatment. I also endured a “missed miscarriage” that led to weeks of bleeding before I was informed of the loss, and I lost my son, Ethan, in the second trimester, which resulted in further surgery and significant trauma.
Even when there are no severe medical complications, the emotional toll is immense. A comprehensive study on the psychological effects of early pregnancy loss revealed that nearly 29% of women who experienced a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy developed post-traumatic stress within a month of their loss. Additionally, one in four women reported experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, while about ten percent faced similar levels of depression. A 2016 review of stillbirth effects found that bereaved parents are at a markedly higher risk for emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, alongside feelings of failure, guilt, and suicidal thoughts.
This brings me to my concern regarding New Zealand’s legislation: three days is simply inadequate.
While I acknowledge that any progress is worth celebrating, I cannot help but feel let down. Three days does not allow enough time to process the devastating news of a lost pregnancy. It is insufficient for recovery from emergency medical procedures, healing after delivering a stillborn baby, planning a memorial service, or even contemplating the future of a nursery.
Some may argue that “it’s better than nothing,” similar to the way six weeks of maternity leave is often portrayed. However, we need to aim higher than “better than nothing.” We must stop using a lack of options as a benchmark for women’s health.
Several Asian countries have taken more substantial steps; for instance, India provides six weeks of leave after a miscarriage or medical termination, while Vietnam offers between 10 to 50 days off based on the pregnancy duration. Similarly, in Korea, the duration of leave is determined by gestational age, with paid leave guaranteed and job security maintained.
The absence of such policies in the U.S. raises questions about the validity of the claim that we are the greatest nation. U.S. lawmakers, if you’re listening, let’s aspire to do better. Let’s aim for more than what New Zealand has achieved. Let’s prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of women and their partners as they navigate the profound loss of not just a child, but also the dreams associated with that child.
For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, consider exploring this excellent resource. You may also want to check out this related post for additional information. If you are seeking authoritative guidance, visit this resource for more information on this topic.
Summary
New Zealand’s recent Miscarriage Relief Bill, which allows for three days of paid leave after a miscarriage or stillbirth, is a step forward but ultimately insufficient for the emotional and physical recovery needed after such a loss. Other countries provide more comprehensive leave options, emphasizing the need for better support systems for grieving families.