Campaign for women who’ve experienced stillbirth to be paid parental leave

Campaigners are pushing Federal Government to change legislation for women who’ve experienced stillbirth, allowing them paid leave. WARNING: Graphic image

WARNING: Graphic image

A new campaign is underway for women who have suffered a stillbirth to be guaranteed paid parental leave from their employer.

Currently, it’s at the discretion of a company to offer women paid leave if they have experienced a stillbirth, but advocates are urging the Federal Government to change the legislation.

Kate Lynch, CEO of Stillbirth Foundation, told Seven News women who have suffered a stillbirth should receive the same entitlement as those who have had a live birth.

Campaigners say it should be at the top of the list for the re-elected Coalition government given it was put to the government six months ago for review.

There is an urge to change legislation so women who suffer stillbirth are given the same paid parental leave as those who have had a live birth (this image is a stock image). Picture: IStock

“These families are already suffering such traumatic loss that it’s not right they also be hit with a financial loss at this very sad time,” Ms Lynch said.

“They need time to breathe and heal, physically emotionally and mentally.”

In a statement to Seven News, the Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said he was “carefully considering” all the recommendations of the Senate Committee.

Ann-Maree Imrie suffered stillbirth at six-and-a-half months pregnant — every day there are six stillbirths in Australia and described the loss as a lot like falling.

“Like the world had just dropped out from underneath me,” Ms Imrie said.

Ms Imrie said she was looked after, but all women in her position needed the same support.

“At an already extremely difficult time of such immense loss you don’t want to be having to consider financial losses as well,” she said.

“To have that baby recognised by the wider community and your workplace is something that’s really important to bereaved parents.”