Introduction of miscarriage bereavement leave in New Zealand in 2021: A comparison with international experiences

In early 2021, the New Zealand Parliament introduced miscarriage bereavement leave prompting global debate about creating a right to paid time off work for people bereaved through pregnancy loss. Construing such time off as bereavement leave, rather than sick leave or maternity leave, acknowledges the profound significance of the event, but there is limited evidence on whether leave improves mental or physical health outcomes. In this paper we compare four countries with some form of specific bereavement leave for pregnancy losses: New Zealand, United Kingdom, India, and the Phillippines. We also examine an ongoing effort to introduce a similar policy in the USA and the employer-led approach advocated by others. Comparisons are made relating to when during pregnancy leave is available, how much leave is available, how accessible the leave is, what proof of pregnancy loss is required, and who is covered. We conclude by suggesting policy-makers consider a stepped model where there are greater protections for later pregnancy losses and advise advocates to aim to link pregnancy loss bereavement with bereavement leave for other losses.