New Zealand became the first country to embark upon giving paid leaves to those parents suffering from a miscarriage or stillbirth.
The new first-world law spares suffering parents from making use of their sick leave during this traumatic and tragic time to mourn. In addition, local media outlets confirmed how the new change will now allow parents to gain access to up to 3 days of paid leave, right after their miscarriage.
Moreover, the unanimous decision came about via a vote by lawmakers, in what many terms to be the first provision of its kind around the world.
The new bereavement allowance was passed by the parliament on Wednesday, giving employees the chance to utilize up to 3 days of leave if and when a pregnancy period has ended with a stillbirth. This is in replacement to normal conditions where such traumatic incidents force workers to utilize their sick leaves as compensation.
Ginny Andersen who is a lawmaker in the country mentioned how stillbirths require great awareness for recognition with the use of dedicated bereavement leave. However, she also mentioned how the stigma that surrounds such incidents means many people have problems in terms of discussing it.
“The great grief and trauma that comes alongside a miscarriage is just not a sickness, it is a big loss that takes a great time to recover from,” she added in remarks towards the parliament. In the same way, she also mentioned how situations like these require time for the recovery period, both physically as well as mentally.
Andersen also confirmed how the new law extends to not only the women’s partner if she suffered from a miscarriage, but also to those who were trying for a child through the efforts of surrogacy.
This new law is another step forward in the right direction, paving the way to a revolution in the country’s women’s rights.