LMFM By Louise Walsh Couple describe new legislation as positive step to get State to recognise their baby son existed
A determined couple who have long lobbied the Government to recognise babies born before 24 weeks have described new legislation as a positive step in finally getting her late son a certificate of life.
Caroline and Martin Smith have been fighting for changes to the law since their baby boy Stephen was termed as a late miscarriage when he was born at 20 weeks and two days and weighing 420 grams on October 20, 2015.
As he did not meet the criteria for stillbirth under the current law, he is not officially recognised by the State.
Minister English outlines Government position on reproductive health related leave
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English TD this evening (24 May) addressed the Seanad on the Private Member’s Bill, Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 which proposed that employees be entitled to leave with pay where the employee has suffered a miscarriage and leave with pay to receive treatment from a registered practitioner in the State in relation to pregnancy, childbirth or assisted human reproduction.
Speaking this evening Minister English said: I welcome the Private Members Bill as an important contribution to the discussion in this area. Miscarriage and stillbirth are extremely difficult experiences that touch many peoples’ lives, perhaps more people than any of us here realise as more than one in five pregnancies end in miscarriage. The loss is devastating for women and their partners.
Senator speaks of personal experience of IVF treatment, miscarriage and surrogacy Government commits to paid leave for bereavement, reproductive health treatment
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The Government has given a commitment to introduce statutory bereavement leave for women experiencing early miscarriage and for couples seeking IVF treatment, but “it needs time”, the Seanad has been told.
Minister of State for Enterprise Damien English said it is an equality issue and Minister for Equality Roderic O’Gorman will take the lead on the matter.
Mr English was responding to the introduction of a Labour party Bill to provide up to 20 days’ paid leave for women who experience early miscarriage and up to 10 days’ paid leave for any employee who needs time off work to avail of IVF or other reproductive health-related treatment.
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