In a groundbreaking move, New Zealand’s Parliament has unanimously voted in favor of legislation granting couples who endure a miscarriage or stillbirth three days of paid leave at full salary. This pioneering legislation is the first of its kind globally, marking a significant step forward in providing bereavement support for families. The new law also extends to parents anticipating a child through adoption or surrogacy.
Previously, New Zealand employers were mandated to offer paid leave only in cases of stillbirth, which occurs when a fetus is lost after 20 weeks. The recent law broadens this provision to encompass all pregnancies lost at any stage. It is anticipated that this measure will become law shortly.
Ginny Thompson, the Labour MP who championed the bill, expressed hope that it would empower individuals to take the necessary time to grieve without feeling pressured to be stoic. “This legislation is about acknowledging that grief is not a sickness; it’s a loss that requires time to process,” she stated.
The timing of this law is particularly relevant, given the challenges many women have faced during the pandemic. Pregnancy-related issues have often been exacerbated in the workplace, with many expecting parents encountering discrimination or job loss. In contrast, countries like Australia offer unpaid leave for miscarriages after 12 weeks, while the UK provides paid leave for stillbirths after 24 weeks. Meanwhile, in the United States, there is no federal requirement for employers to grant leave for miscarriage.
Thompson emphasized the importance of this bill for worker rights and fairness, hoping it would foster an environment of openness regarding miscarriage. “We should not be fearful of our bodies,” she remarked on social media.
For more insights on related topics, you can read one of our other blog posts here. If you’re seeking authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom’s guide to learn more. Additionally, for comprehensive knowledge about pregnancy, check out Healthline’s resources.
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In summary, New Zealand has taken a significant step by introducing paid bereavement leave for couples facing miscarriage or stillbirth, setting a precedent for compassionate legislation worldwide. This new law affirms the importance of allowing time to grieve and recognizes the emotional toll of pregnancy loss.
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