In a groundbreaking move, New Zealand’s Parliament has unanimously passed new legislation granting couples who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth three days of paid leave at full pay. This pioneering law represents the first of its kind globally, addressing bereavement benefits for such circumstances. The legislation extends to parents anticipating a child through adoption or surrogacy as well.
Previously, New Zealand employers were mandated to offer paid leave only in instances of stillbirth (defined as a loss after 20 weeks). The new law broadens this provision to cover any pregnancy loss, regardless of the gestational stage, and is expected to be enacted in the upcoming weeks.
“This legislation empowers women to take the necessary time to grieve without feeling the pressure to be stoic,” explained Linda Thompson, the Labour MP behind the initiative. She expressed hope that this law would inspire more compassionate legislation in other nations. “Grief is not an illness; it’s a profound loss that deserves recognition and time to heal,” Thompson emphasized in a statement to local media.
This law arrives at a crucial moment, particularly as women have faced immense challenges during the pandemic, which has brought these issues to the forefront. While Australia offers unpaid leave for miscarriages after 12 weeks and the UK provides paid leave for stillbirths post-24 weeks, the U.S. lacks any mandatory leave for miscarriage.
In the U.S., the March of Dimes reports that 10-15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first trimester, with 1-5% in the second trimester. Thompson concluded her comments on social media, stating, “This is about fairness and workers’ rights. I hope it encourages open discussions about miscarriage and alleviates the fear surrounding these experiences.”
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In summary, New Zealand’s new law on bereavement leave for couples who suffer a miscarriage is a significant step forward in recognizing the emotional toll of pregnancy loss. By providing paid leave, New Zealand sets an example for other nations to follow, promoting greater openness and support for those grieving their losses.
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