Paid Leave After a Miscarrige: Legislation that Should Be Everywhere
March 25th marked a historical day for women in New Zealand. The Parliament unanimously voted on employees being allowed 3 days of paid leave after a miscarriage without having to use up their sick days. This legislation extends to both mothers and their partners.
Labour MP, Ginny Andersen, initiated the bill and made a statement saying: “The passing of this bill shows that once again New Zealand is leading the way for progressive and compassionate legislation, becoming only the second country in the world to provide leave for miscarriage and still birth, [...] The bill will give women and their partners time to come to terms with their loss without having to tap into sick leave. Because their grief is not a sickness, it is a loss. And loss takes time.”
One in four women in New Zealand have a miscarriage. The emotional toll that must take on one’s mental and physical capabilities cannot be measured. Why should sick days be used up when a mother or partner has lost their child? This legislation is believed to be first of its kind in the world and hopefully many other nations will follow suit. Miscarriages and the grief that they carry are overlooked far too often.
There have virtually been no studies done on pregnancy loss and going back to work.
Miscarriage — the loss of a baby up to 20 weeks' gestation — is estimated to occur in 15% to 20% of pregnancies, while approximately 8 out of 1,000 pregnancies end in stillbirth: when a baby dies at or after 20 weeks' gestation.
This issue is a huge grey area for many employers. Some employers do try to be supportive by clumping up vacation and sick days. But what if that is not enough time to cope with a tragedy?
Employers can help their workers by offering more flexible hours and a more flexible workload. Colleagues can give the individual space or support. Compassion and empathy are entirely crucial at this delicate time.
New Zealand was also the first country in the world to give voting rights to women and has continuously been a pioneer in countless issues regarding women. The labour government is left ruling and is led by prime minister Jacinda Arden, who is truly a global champion for women's rights. Just last year, her government decriminalized abortion after decades of women advocating. Slowly, equality is being achieved and it’s wonderful.
The new legislation regarding miscarriages is a promising step in the right direction. Hopefully, many other governments will follow suit to support women at such a devastating time.