[UK] SNP follows New Zealand’s lead on miscarriage leave

The SNP - Scotland’s largest political party - has put rights for women at the heart of its manifesto with a focus on improved healthcare and support.

Following confirmation last week of the passage of New Zealand’s bill allowing three days paid bereavement leave for women and their partners after miscarriage or stillbirth, the SNP announced that it would follow suit.

The SNP said it would ‘emulate’ New Zealand with 3 days of paid leave for public sector workers and ask the UK government to make the legislative change.

Additionally, the manifesto proposes broader reforms for women and girl’s healthcare, to redress current inequalities.

“We will develop and implement a Women’s Health Plan aiming to improve services and reduce health inequalities for women and girls,” the manifesto states.

“It will establish a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women, taking forward the findings of the Lancet report and supporting the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage.

“We will emulate New Zealand where families who experience miscarriage or stillbirth are entitled to 3 days of paid leave by delivering this within the public sector and call on the UK Government to make the necessary changes to employment law to make it available for everyone.

“The SNP will review midwifery and health visiting pathways for new families and babies, and look at improving access to practical breastfeeding support, physical therapy advice and mental wellbeing support.

“We will ensure maternity departments have dedicated facilities for women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications and reduce waiting times for diagnosing endometriosis.

“And we will work hard to improve access to specialist services for advice and support on the diagnosis and management of menopause – while launching a public health campaign to remove stigma and raise awareness of menopause symptoms.”

The SNP - Scotland’s largest political party - has put rights for women at the heart of its manifesto with a focus on improved healthcare and support.

Following confirmation last week of the passage of New Zealand’s bill allowing three days paid bereavement leave for women and their partners after miscarriage or stillbirth, the SNP announced that it would follow suit.

The SNP said it would ‘emulate’ New Zealand with 3 days of paid leave for public sector workers and ask the UK government to make the legislative change.

Additionally, the manifesto proposes broader reforms for women and girl’s healthcare, to redress current inequalities.

“We will develop and implement a Women’s Health Plan aiming to improve services and reduce health inequalities for women and girls,” the manifesto states.

“It will establish a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women, taking forward the findings of the Lancet report and supporting the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage.

“We will emulate New Zealand where families who experience miscarriage or stillbirth are entitled to 3 days of paid leave by delivering this within the public sector and call on the UK Government to make the necessary changes to employment law to make it available for everyone.

“The SNP will review midwifery and health visiting pathways for new families and babies, and look at improving access to practical breastfeeding support, physical therapy advice and mental wellbeing support.

“We will ensure maternity departments have dedicated facilities for women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications and reduce waiting times for diagnosing endometriosis.

“And we will work hard to improve access to specialist services for advice and support on the diagnosis and management of menopause – while launching a public health campaign to remove stigma and raise awareness of menopause symptoms.”