A newly proposed bill in the Senate seeks to offer paid leave for individuals experiencing pregnancy loss. The “Support Through Loss Act,” introduced by Senator Mia Harrison (D-Ill.), aims to allow families the necessary time to cope with the loss of a child without the added stress of job security. Representative Zoe Carter (D-Mass.) is joining as a co-sponsor of the bill. If enacted, the legislation would grant a minimum of three days of paid leave to workers who experience a miscarriage, an unsuccessful in vitro fertilization attempt, a failed adoption, or surrogacy arrangement, as well as any medical diagnosis affecting fertility.
Earlier this year, New Zealand made headlines by unanimously passing a similar policy, offering three days of paid bereavement leave for parents who undergo a miscarriage.
Voices Behind the Legislation
“Every family copes with pregnancy loss in their own way, and they deserve the chance to process it,” Harrison stated. “Some may need time to grieve, while others might require a moment to regroup and strategize for the future. The essential element here is providing time.”
Harrison has been candid about her personal struggles with infertility, including a miscarriage. “I endured numerous unsuccessful IVF cycles, each one leaving me and my partner heartbroken,” she shared, recalling the emotional toll of her experiences while campaigning for the Senate. “It was incredibly difficult to navigate that loss without the opportunity to truly address it.”
The Current Landscape
Currently in the United States, there is no mandated paid bereavement leave. While parents can utilize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for time off following a loss, this leave is unpaid, which prevents many families from utilizing it. Furthermore, there is no requirement for paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child, with FMLA only providing up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under certain conditions.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and up to 10% of clinically recognized pregnancies, not including other types of loss covered by this proposed legislation. Should the Support Through Loss Act pass, it would also allocate $45 million annually to the National Institutes of Health for research programs focused on pregnancy loss.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about fertility options, you can explore boosting fertility supplements, which may provide additional support. For further insights, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, you might find valuable information on home insemination techniques, self insemination methods, and fertility awareness beneficial.
Conclusion
In summary, the Support Through Loss Act aims to provide families the necessary paid leave to navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy loss, following the precedent set by other countries. This legislation reflects an increasing recognition of the need for support during such difficult times.
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