From period leave to paternity leave, several employers and governments across the globe are bringing in policies that benefit employees. In New Zealand, MP Ginny Andersen introduced a bill to grant employees three days’ leave after a miscarriage and it was approved unanimously. CNN quoted her saying,
“I hope that this bill will go some way in allowing women to feel more comfortable about talking about miscarriage and that they feel comfortable reaching out for support and for help in what is a huge physical and emotional loss.”
New Zealand just approved a new measure allowing for paid leave after miscarriage. The legislation is believed to be among the first in the world, applying to couples who lose a baby at any point. pic.twitter.com/9t13qMe73Z
— The Female Lead (@the_female_lead) March 25, 2021
Earlier, the country required employers to give paid leave when a fetus is lost after 20 weeks or more. Now, leave will be granted if the stillbirth or miscarriage happens any time during the pregnancy. However, abortions are not included in the new law, reports Forbes India.
Some people hailed the move as progressive and compassionate, others said it was basic decency that needs to be replicated the world over. Many expressed a desire to move to New Zealand too.
Take notes government around the globe. This is how it’s done. Give this women the fucking crown. When the leaders is progressive, the legislature is beyond Everything. https://t.co/Nh08Ql8qrc
— Divya ✨ (@_divyarathod) March 26, 2021
This is leadership. So many times families especially women are expected to just address this pain in private. Support like this gives space to grieve, mourn and HEAL. More governments like this! https://t.co/eMUHNHE6cY
— Farrah Khan (@farrahsafiakhan) March 25, 2021
Wow. Glad someone thought about this. 🙌 https://t.co/im2rvySToj
— vijaita singh (@vijaita) March 25, 2021
Appropriate Representation does wonders to a society. #justsaying https://t.co/S2J8Nbs6zx
— Nayan (@WeTheHerd) March 25, 2021
I'm not a parent but can say it's a welcome move. https://t.co/npZzdwU2iW
— The UnOfficial PM 🇮🇳 ❁ (@theunofficialpm) March 25, 2021
i am once again asking for new zealand citizenship https://t.co/FMWlxC9uGb
— ♡ kiran ♡ (@_veryspicy) March 25, 2021
I am currently freelancing on various projects, OPEN TO JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND PLEASE CAN I MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND https://t.co/yLvsfihxtn
— Sucharita Tyagi (@Su4ita) March 25, 2021
Interestingly, New Zealand is the 2nd country to bring this law, the 1st one being India. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, allows women six weeks’ leave after miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy. If she suffers an illness after the miscarriage or termination, she can claim paid leave for a further period of one month.
Several desis pointed out this on Twitter.
In India it is applicable only for women employees who suffer miscarriage during childbirth. New Zealand extended it for couple, and the bill also applies to those having a child though adoption or surrogacy. https://t.co/dT1GQU6vMP
— Ritushree 🌈 (@QueerNaari) March 25, 2021
India gives 6 weeks of paid leaves. https://t.co/CwBFpKnlFB
— barcacenler (@barcacenler) March 26, 2021
Proud to say NDTV has for long had 6 weeks paid leave after miscarriage! @PrannoyRoyNDTV @soniandtv @Suparna_Singh https://t.co/YgPPHWDGMa
— Sonal MehrotraKapoor (@Sonal_MK) March 25, 2021
It's so amazing to know New Zealand too approved paid leave in case of miscarriage for couples (only the 2nd country to do so). India being the first country to approve such Law not even now but back in 1961 🙂 ❤️#NewZealand #India #WomensHistoryMonth https://t.co/sC4dAL6Viv
— kanishk ♡ 🍁 (@kxnyshk) March 25, 2021
Let’s hope leaves like this soon become a norm rather than an exception.