Government needs to introduce paid reproductive leave, says Sherlock

Labour TD Marie Sherlock has called on government to urgently introduce paid reproductive leave, following the announcement of miscarriage leave in Northern Ireland.

The Labour health spokesperson said Ireland must match and go further than the measures in the North by progressing Labour’s Reproductive Health Leave Bill, which would provide workers with paid leave during miscarriage and fertility treatment, and end the practice of forcing employees to use annual or sick leave during times of profound physical and emotional distress.

The Dublin Central TD said, “the move in Northern Ireland to introduce paid miscarriage leave is a clear example of what compassionate, modern workplaces should look like, and it throws into sharp focus this government’s failure to act.”

Under the new provisions, workers who experience miscarriage will be entitled to up to two weeks’ paid leave, with flexibility in how that leave is taken and without the need for medical certification, with the suport extending to both women and their partners.

“It recognises the reality of pregnancy loss and treats it with the dignity it deserves,” Sherlock noted.

“In contrast, workers here are still expected to use their annual or sick leave if they experience an early miscarriage or undergo fertility treatments such as IVF. That is simply not acceptable. For far too long, women have had to remain silent in their workplaces about miscarriage, grieving in private while trying to maintain a sense of normality at work. Others are forced to use precious annual leave to attend medical appointments or recover from treatment. This is outdated, unjust, and must change.

“Labour has been clear in setting out a better way forward. Our Reproductive Health Leave Bill would provide workers with up to 20 days’ leave in the event of an early miscarriage, and up to 10 days’ leave for those undergoing fertility treatment. This is about recognising the physical and emotional toll that reproductive health issues can have, and ensuring people are supported, not penalised, at work. It is also about creating a culture where people feel able to speak openly about these experiences, rather than being forced into silence.

“When I raised this matter with the Tánaiste on International Women’s Day, 5 March 2026, he agreed that women should be afforded workplace leave if they experience an early miscarriage. Warm words are not enough. We need action. Other countries are moving ahead with practical, compassionate supports for workers. Northern Ireland is now taking that step. There is no justification for Ireland to lag behind,” she said.

“Introducing reproductive leave would not only provide vital support to workers, but would also help drive greater awareness and understanding of reproductive health across society. Public information campaigns around this entitlement could help break down stigma and ensure people know their rights and can access the support they need.

“The government must now take this issue seriously and bring forward concrete proposals to introduce paid reproductive leave without delay. The State cannot continue to treat reproductive health as an afterthought while others move ahead. Workers deserve dignity, compassion and support during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. It is time for the government to act.”