The Labour Party has formally presented a legislative bill aimed at introducing statutory paid leave entitlements for women who suffer early pregnancy loss or miscarriage, as well as for people pursuing fertility treatment. The proposed legislation, tabled on 23 September, would grant 20 days of paid leave following pregnancy loss and 10 days for those undergoing fertility procedures.
The move represents a significant attempt to address what supporters describe as a gap in current employment protections for workers facing reproductive health challenges. Currently, Irish employment law does not provide specific statutory leave provisions for early pregnancy loss or fertility treatment, leaving many workers dependent on employer discretion or sick leave entitlements.
Key facts
- The bill proposes 20 days of paid statutory leave following early pregnancy loss or miscarriage
- An additional 10 days of leave would be provided for individuals undergoing fertility treatment
- The Labour Party tabled the legislation on 23 September 2026
- Current Irish law does not mandate specific leave for pregnancy loss or fertility procedures
Filling a Gap in Employment Protections
The proposed legislation seeks to recognise the physical and emotional impact of pregnancy loss and fertility treatment on workers. Many women who experience miscarriage currently face the choice of using annual leave, sick leave, or unpaid leave to recover, with no dedicated statutory provision addressing their specific circumstances.
Fertility treatment, which can involve multiple medical appointments, procedures, and recovery periods, similarly lacks dedicated leave provisions under current Irish employment legislation. The proposed 10-day entitlement aims to provide workers with protected time off without depleting their standard leave allowances or risking employment security.
Legislative Process Ahead
The bill will now proceed through the standard legislative process in the Oireachtas, requiring multiple readings and committee scrutiny before potentially becoming law. Private members’ bills introduced by opposition parties face significant procedural hurdles and require government support or acceptance to progress to enactment.
The legislation’s fate will depend on whether it secures backing from government parties or whether the administration chooses to introduce similar measures through its own legislative programme. Previous attempts to expand parental and family-related leave entitlements have seen varying degrees of success, with some proposals incorporated into government policy and others failing to advance.
If enacted, the bill would represent one of the most substantial expansions of reproductive health-related employment rights in Ireland in recent years. The proposed leave entitlements would add to existing maternity, paternity, and parental leave provisions, creating a more comprehensive framework for workers navigating pregnancy, fertility, and family planning challenges.
The timing of the proposal comes amid broader international discussions about workplace accommodations for reproductive health, with several jurisdictions having introduced or debated similar provisions in recent years. New Zealand introduced paid miscarriage leave in 2021, whilst various European countries have implemented fertility treatment leave provisions.
Reporting based on original coverage by the original source.
