New Federal Legislation Would Offer Paid Leave After Pregnancy Loss
Shalini Wickramatilake, MHS
By Shalini Wickramatilake, MHS
It is well documented that pregnancy loss has a negative impact on maternal health, with increased depression and anxiety following a loss (Nynas et al, 2015; Farren et al, 2021; Neugebauer et al, 1997). It is important that mothers and their partners are given time to process and heal after experiencing a miscarriage, stillbirth, or unsuccessful adoption/surrogacy.
In July 2021, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) introduced the Support Through Loss Act (H.R.4576/S.2390). This bill, if passed, would require U.S. employers with five or more employees to provide at least three days of paid leave for employees who have experienced a pregnancy loss, as well as partners of those who have experienced loss.
The paid leave benefit would also be available to those who have had a failed adoption/surrogacy experience, as well as those who have had an unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology procedure, and those who have received a medical diagnosis or had a medical event that impacts pregnancy or fertility.
Another provision included in the bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a public awareness campaign focused on pregnancy loss, including information on the incidence and prevalence of pregnancy loss. The public information campaign would also offer resources on the various treatment options--including mental health services--available for pregnancy loss.
The third component of the bill is authorization of $45 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and better coordinate research and programs related to pregnancy loss.
Mom Congress applauds this legislation that would better support moms experiencing loss, and appreciates that the Support Through Loss Act acknowledges not only the physical impact of pregnancy loss, but also the crucial need for mental health support after loss.
If you would like to urge your lawmaker to support this legislation, please visit this action alert being led by the March of Dimes.
References:
Farren J, Jalmbrant M, Falconieri N, Mitchell-Jones N, Bobdiwala S, Al-Memar M, Tapp S, Van Calster B, Wynants L, Timmerman D, Bourne T. Differences in post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy between women and their partners: multicenter prospective cohort study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Jan;57(1):141-148. doi: 10.1002/uog.23147. PMID: 33032364.
Neugebauer R, Kline J, Shrout P, et al. Major Depressive Disorder in the 6 Months After Miscarriage. JAMA. 1997;277(5):383–388. doi:10.1001/jama.1997.03540290035029
Nynas J, Narang P, Kolikonda MK, Lippmann S. Depression and Anxiety Following Early Pregnancy Loss: Recommendations for Primary Care Providers. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2015;17(1):10.4088/PCC.14r01721. Published 2015 Jan 29. doi:10.4088/PCC.14r01721
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