In New Zealand, paid leave for women after an abortion

It decriminalized abortion only last year, but New Zealand now wants to be at the forefront of women’s rights. In this context, the bill should be introduced that aims to provide greater support to all women who are experiencing a tragedy such as miscarriage or stillbirth. The government has already approved the text, which includes, among other things, the possibility for victims to take three days of paid leave.

The new law

New Zealand employers, as in other countries, are required to provide paid leave in the event of a miscarriage or fetus loss after 20 weeks of pregnancy or more. The new legislation will expand this permit and will now cover anyone who loses their pregnancy at any time, eliminating any ambiguities. This measure is expected to become law in the coming weeks. “We want to give women the opportunity to take time for themselves, instead of continuing to pretend that everything is fine. However, physically and psychologically, it takes time to cope with the pain,” she said. Jenny Anderson, The Labor Member of Parliament who drafted the bill. Andersen added that she is unable to find similar legislation anywhere in the world. “We could be the first country,” he said. Such as The New York TimesThe legislator has specified that the new law does not apply to voluntary termination of pregnancy, although New Zealand decriminalized abortion last year. Jean LogieA green lawmaker said the new law “will help break the culture of silence about missing pregnancies.”

The situation in the world

In Australia, people who have a miscarriage are entitled to unpaid leave if they lose a fetus after 12 weeks, while in the UK, prospective mothers who give birth to a stillbirth are entitled to paid leave. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 20% of all known pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage. In New Zealand, which has a population of five million, the Ministry of Health estimates that one or two out of every 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. The Sands New Zealand Charity, which supports parents who have lost a pregnancy, says between 5,900 and 11,800 miscarriages or stillbirths occur each year. According to data from the New Zealand College of Midwives, more than 95% of miscarriages occur in the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

He also explains l’IndipendentHowever, miscarriage or stillbirth remains a delicate and painful topic that is difficult to talk about openly or seek support for, health advocates say. She said, “The foundations of your world are collapsing, because you expect to have this beautiful child, and when this child dies, whether in the womb or immediately after birth, everything collapses.” Vicky Cowling, New Zealand teacher supports women in mourning over a miscarriage and the birth of a stillbirth. The execution team praised their country’s legislation as a first step, but said there was still a lot to do.