Every day 282 Australian women report pregnancy loss before 20 weeks’ gestation. Half of pregnant women over 40 will lose their baby. One in five confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Perhaps in light of such statistics, New Zealand’s parliament is considering introducing bereavement leave to grieving mums-to-be. Such legislation would acknowledge the devastating impact of pregnancy loss and stillbirth.
Labour MP Ginny Andersen sponsored the bill, noting that miscarriage is still a “taboo” topic in New Zealand. “A lot of women have had more than one miscarriage and it can be very traumatic and difficult if you are trying to hold down a job,” she said.
The proposed legislation would grant three days’ paid leave to women who have lost a baby at any stage in a confirmed pregnancy – along with their partners – and has already amassed nearly 6000 signatures in its favour.
Perhaps the movement will incite calls for similar and timely changes in Australia. According to Fair Work Australia, pregnant employees are entitled to “special maternity leave” if they miscarry after 12 weeks, but it is unpaid.
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