The Social Democrats say Ireland should follow New Zealand's example, and provide paid leave for women who suffer miscarriages.
Lawmakers in Wellington unanimously passed legislation on Wednesday, giving mothers and their partners three days of bereavement leave following a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Australian Labour MP Ginny Andersen, who presented the bill, said she hopes it helps people to grieve.
"This is a Bill about workers' rights and fairness. I hope it gives people time to grieve and promotes greater openness about miscarriage", she tweeted.
"We should not be fearful of our bodies."
Final reading of my Bereavement Leave for Miscarriage Bill. This is a Bill about workers’ rights and fairness. I hope it gives people time to grieve and promotes greater openness about miscarriage. We should not be fearful of our bodies. pic.twitter.com/dwUWINVjLm
— Ginny Andersen (@ginnyandersen) March 24, 2021
Currently, Irish law provides full maternity leave for women who miscarry from 24 weeks onwards but no earlier.
Social Democrats spokesperson for children, Jennifer Whitmore, said this should change.
"We need to follow New Zealand's example and introduce paid leave for women who find themselves in this situation.
"They may have been through a lot of physical and mental difficulties and need time and rest to emotionally recover after dealing with such devastating loss.
"As things stand, our bereavement payment only covers five days' leave for employees who experience the death of a close relative or a stillbirth.
"Our legislation falls short of protecting women and prospective parents during the often unpredictable journey of parenthood."
Deputy Whitmore also praised New Zealand for leading the charge.
"Not for the first time, the Prime Minister of New Zealand has demonstrated real leadership and has shown the world just how engaged a government can be if they include diverse voices and implement policies designed to support women and families.
"Such leadership and vision are desperately needed in this country.
"In Ireland, parents have to navigate a confusing network of parental leave entitlements, falling short of proper paid leave."
