Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval to draft the Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill, which will introduce a statutory entitlement to paid leave for people who experience pregnancy loss before 23 weeks gestation.

The proposed legislation will provide five days of paid leave per year for individuals who experience pregnancy loss before the current 23-week threshold. Under existing legislation, maternity leave is available where a pregnancy loss occurs from 23 weeks gestation onwards.

Welcoming the decision, Minister Canney said: “Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal and traumatic experience, and it is important that our laws recognise the impact it can have on individuals and families. This legislation is about ensuring people are treated with compassion, dignity and understanding at an incredibly difficult time.”

He continued: “For too long, early pregnancy loss has often gone unrecognised despite the profound effect it can have. Introducing a statutory entitlement to leave is an important step forward that acknowledges that reality, supports workers when they need it most and helps to create more compassionate workplaces.”

The proposed Bill is informed by research into the workplace experiences of pregnancy loss, which highlighted the need for statutory paid leave and found that stigma and secrecy can still surround early pregnancy loss, often preventing people from seeking the support they need.

The General Scheme of the Bill will now be drafted before the legislation progresses through the Oireachtas.