For far too long, women have had to remain silent in their workplaces about the grief of early miscarriage; or have had to use their annual leave in order to attend appointments for IVF treatments. This Bill seeks to provide women – and men – with support in the workplace, where they are struggling with fertility or other reproductive health issues. 

Currently, workers and their partners are required to use up annual leave if they require time off for early miscarriage or for fertility and other reproductive health related treatment. 

The Labour Party’s Bill would provide an entitlement to reproductive leave of up to 20 days for workers who suffer a miscarriage, and up to 10 days for those seeking treatments like IVF. 

Aside from the practical supports for employees that this Bill would provide if enacted, it would also mark another step towards opening up conversations around reproductive health in Ireland and information campaigns about the introduction of this new leave entitlement would encourage greater public awareness about this hidden issue.