On March 25, major news outlets reported that New Zealand has enacted legislation allowing women and their partners three days of paid leave after experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth. Many, including myself, celebrated this progress, as it acknowledges that pregnancy loss is a reality that demands time for both physical and emotional healing. MP Tara Johnson, who sponsored the bill, stated, “This legislation will provide women and their partners the time they need to grieve without having to use sick leave. Grief isn’t an illness; it’s a profound loss that requires time to process.”
I can relate deeply to this, having endured four pregnancy losses myself. Each time, I found myself back at work after exhausting my sick leave and well before I was emotionally ready. Statistics indicate that one in four pregnancies ends in loss, suggesting that within a workplace like mine, which has hundreds of employees, at least one woman is likely navigating the heartbreaking reality of pregnancy loss at any given moment. For some, these losses are medically intensive events. Two of my four losses were ectopic pregnancies, one requiring emergency surgery and the other a medication typically used in cancer treatment. I experienced a “missed miscarriage,” where the embryo had stopped developing without my knowledge, leading to weeks of bleeding before I was deemed unpregnant. I also lost my son, Leo, in the second trimester, an experience that involved yet another surgery and left me with significant post-traumatic stress.
Even when a pregnancy loss doesn’t involve severe medical complications, the emotional toll is significant. Research has shown that nearly 30% of women who experience a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy report symptoms of post-traumatic stress a month after their loss. Additionally, around one in four women exhibit moderate to severe anxiety, and about ten percent face moderate to severe depression. A 2016 review highlighted that bereaved parents have much higher rates of emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, social phobia, agoraphobia, and even suicidal thoughts.
This brings me to my main concern regarding New Zealand’s new legislation: three days is simply insufficient. While I appreciate any steps toward progress, I can’t help but feel let down. To me, offering just three days of leave feels more like a symbolic gesture rather than a practical solution.
Three days is not enough time to process the heart-wrenching news of losing a baby. Three days won’t suffice for recovery from emergency surgery. Three days doesn’t allow for healing after delivering a stillborn child. Three days is not enough to organize a memorial service, and it certainly doesn’t provide adequate time to make decisions about the nursery. Three days just isn’t enough.
While some might argue that this is better than nothing, we must strive for more than just the bare minimum. We deserve to exceed “better than nothing.” In comparison, countries like India offer six weeks of leave after a miscarriage or medical termination, while Vietnam provides between 10 and 50 days of partially paid leave depending on the pregnancy stage. In Korea, the leave duration is based on the gestational age, and it is also paid, with protections against employment termination during this time.
The absence of a similar policy in the U.S. raises questions about the claim that we are the greatest nation in the world. To U.S. lawmakers, let’s aim higher. Let’s surpass New Zealand’s efforts and advocate for better support for women and their partners as they navigate the profound loss of not only a child but also their dreams for the future.
For more information on pregnancy loss and support, check out this insightful post on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in learning about artificial insemination options, Make A Mom is a great resource. For further reading, you can find helpful information on various infertility treatments here.
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In summary, while New Zealand’s legislation represents a step forward in recognizing pregnancy loss, the provision of just three days of paid leave falls short of what is necessary for adequate healing. We need to advocate for stronger policies that truly support women and their partners during such a challenging time.