Bill providing parental leave following miscarriage, still birth introduced

Senator Cindy Hyde Smith joined two other legislators, introducing a bill that provides parental leave and compensation to parents following a miscarriage or stillbirth.

The bill amends the family and medical leave act to include the loss of an unborn child as a qualifying medical condition for leave.

It also creates a tax credit for any woman who suffers the loss of a child in the womb.

Women and their spouses would be entitled to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave.

Senator Hyde Smith says it has taken policymakers too long to recognize parents should be allowed time to heal following a miscarriage or stillbirth.

She says the loss of any child is heartbreaking and the legislation formally acknowledges the time needed after a loss.