Labour calls for 20 days of paid miscarriage leave in Ireland

The Labour Party is calling for paid miscarriage leave in Ireland

Labour believes this bill would help acknowledge the physical, mental and emotional impact baby loss and miscarriage have on society.

Those who are facing this unthinkable grief need essential time away from work, and introducing 20 days of paid leave will help when they need it the most.

Broadcaster Anne Daly has bravely opened up about the importance of paid miscarriage leave.

Speaking about the importance of this bill, she said: "Having experienced two miscarriages myself, I know the heartbreak of that loss and how difficult it is to return to work as though nothing has happened.

"Miscarriage is a real loss, at every stage of pregnancy. It's time our workplaces, and our laws, recognised it as such," Daly added.

Labour’s Bill would provide 20 days paid leave for early pregnancy loss and 10 days for fertility treatments.

It is understood that around 14,000 women in Ireland experience pregnancy loss every year, with one in six couples experiencing fertility issues.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik TD added: "We need to acknowledge the shock, trauma and loss experienced by those who endure miscarriage or pregnancy loss before the 24th week of pregnancy, as so eloquently articulated by Anna Daly, and by so many other women who have shared their stories of pregnancy loss with us since we began our campaign."

Anam Cara supports women who have suffered miscarriages and baby loss. You can contact them on 085 2888 888.