New Laws to Protect Parents of Stillborns
New legislation has been introduced to ensure that parents who experience the tragic loss of a stillborn child or an infant death are granted the same rights and dignity as other parents. This change aims to prevent employers from canceling paid parental leave in such circumstances, offering much-needed support during one of the most difficult times in a parent’s life.
The story of Priya, a six-week-old baby who passed away, highlights the importance of these changes. Her mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her heartbreak after her employer canceled three months of pre-approved paid parental leave just five days after her daughter’s death. Meanwhile, her husband was allowed to take his full leave entitlement. This injustice prompted the couple to launch a campaign for change, which gained over 32,000 signatures on a petition in honor of their daughter.
Priya’s parents joined Workplace Minister Amanda Rishworth at Parliament House in Canberra to mark the passage of amendments to the Fair Work Act. These changes ensure that workplaces cannot cancel paid parental leave if employees have experienced a stillbirth or infant loss.
A Symbol of Love and Dignity
Priya’s mother expressed her deep emotions during the event, saying, “Priya’s bill is about love, compassion, dignity and respect.” She added, “It is a symbol of my love for my daughter, Priya, in moments when I was made to feel like my daughter’s life didn’t matter.”
She emphasized that the bill honors not only her daughter but also every baby who has passed away and those who will in the future. “Baby Priya’s Bill honours my daughter, and it also honours every baby who has passed, and sadly, every baby who will pass in Australia,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Government Support and Challenges
Workplace Minister Amanda Rishworth praised the changes, stating that they aim to give parents the rights they deserve while bringing attention to the sensitive issue of stillbirth and early infant death. “We need to have compassion in our community and in our society,” she said.
However, not all voices were in agreement. A small group within the coalition argued that the bill should exclude parents who experienced late-term pregnancy terminations. In the upper house, Liberal Senator Alex Antic, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation attempted to limit entitlements where late-term terminations applied. Despite their efforts, the proposal was unsuccessful.
Reactions to the Debate
Priya’s father, Chris, criticized the debate surrounding late-term abortion in the context of the changes, calling it “politics of hate.” He stated, “It was hurtful to my wife, it’s disrespectful to our daughter.” He emphasized the need for more hope and human decency in the Australian parliament.
Ms. Rishworth expressed disappointment that some senators tried to frame the bill as something it is not. “The bill is about giving parents the dignity in the event of a stillbirth or early death of a child,” she said.
Statistics and Impact
According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, six babies are stillborn every day, and two die within 28 days of birth in Australia. These new laws represent a significant step forward in supporting families who face such heartbreaking losses.
