On March 25, major news outlets celebrated New Zealand’s new legislation that provides women and their partners with three days of paid leave following a miscarriage or stillbirth. This landmark decision acknowledges that pregnancy loss is a reality and emphasizes the necessity of a healing period, both physically and emotionally. Parliament member Laura Bennett, who championed the bill, stated, “This bill allows women and their partners to process their grief without relying on sick leave. Grief is not an illness; it’s a loss, and loss requires time.”
Having personally endured four pregnancy losses, I can relate to this sentiment all too well. After each loss, I returned to work before I was truly ready, having exhausted my sick leave. Statistics indicate that one in four pregnancies end in loss, suggesting that in a workplace with many employees, at least one woman may be experiencing this tragedy at any given time. My own losses included severe medical complications: two ectopic pregnancies—one necessitating emergency surgery—and a missed miscarriage, which involved weeks of bleeding before I was declared unpregnant. I also lost my son, Ethan, in the second trimester, which led to yet another surgery and significant post-traumatic stress.
Even in cases without major medical complications, the emotional toll is substantial. A comprehensive study revealed that nearly 29% of women who experienced early pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancies reported post-traumatic stress a month afterward. Many also faced severe anxiety and depression. The psychological ramifications of stillbirth are similarly alarming, with higher rates of emotional disorders reported among bereaved parents, including depression, anxiety disorders, and even suicidal thoughts.
This brings me to my main concern about New Zealand’s new legislation: three days simply isn’t sufficient. I appreciate the progress made, but I cannot help but feel let down. Three days does not provide ample time to process the heartbreaking news of a lost pregnancy. It does not allow enough time to recover from emergency medical procedures, grieve for a deceased baby, or plan a memorial service.
Some may argue that “it’s better than nothing,” akin to the meager six weeks of maternity leave offered in many places. We must strive for more than just the bare minimum; we should not let “nothing” be the benchmark for women’s health.
Other countries have shown us that better options exist. For instance, India allows six weeks of leave for women after a miscarriage or medical termination, while Vietnam offers between 10 to 50 days of partially paid leave based on pregnancy duration. Similarly, South Korea provides paid leave after miscarriage or stillbirth, with job security for employees during this time.
The absence of such policies in the U.S. raises questions about the claim that we are the greatest country in the world. Lawmakers, let’s aim higher. We can do better than New Zealand. We must do better for women and their partners grappling with the profound loss of not just a child, but the dreams that accompany pregnancy.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out our other blog post on this topic here. For more information about artificial insemination kits, visit Make a Mom. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline offers valuable insights here.
Summary:
New Zealand’s new legislation providing three days of paid leave for miscarriage and stillbirth is a significant step forward but remains insufficient. Personal experiences reveal that the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss requires more time for recovery. Comparatively, other countries offer longer leave periods, highlighting the need for improved policies in the U.S. that better support women and their partners through such profound losses.
Keyphrase:
New Zealand Miscarriage Relief Bill
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