Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)

I welcome the work that Senator Ryan and my party, Sinn Féin, have done on this issue. I thank Nicole for sharing her personal and powerful story. It is a story to which, sadly, the one in four women who experience a miscarriage can relate very well. There are approximately 15,000 miscarriages a year in Ireland.

We know this loss can have a profound emotional impact not only on the woman but also on her partner, friends and family, yet there is little recognition of the grief and pain suffered. We know there are many physical symptoms of grief, such as fatigue, tiredness, loss of appetite, difficulties concentrating and sleeping problems. Then there are the emotional symptoms, including feelings of loneliness, guilt, shock and numbness, anger, an overwhelming sense of sadness and, sometimes, depression. We must never undermine the traumatic experience of a miscarriage and how difficult it can be to talk about it to others. There is the pressure of having to behave normally and to go back to work as if nothing happened.

It is very sad that we do not already have statutory workplace supports in place for this. It feels like yet another example of women's health issues being ignored for too long, and another thing women just have to put up with. This cannot continue. As Senator Ryan has outlined, the Bill before us aims to provide statutory paid leave for individuals suffering pregnancy loss. It also provides for statutory paid leave for partners, which is very important. The Bill ensures dignity, privacy and empathy in the workplace, with confidential notification procedures and protection from employment discrimination.

Another key measure in the Bill is the symbolic recognition that would be provided by a voluntary pregnancy loss register. Initiatives similar to a voluntary pregnancy loss register have been introduced in many places, as Senator Ryan has outlined. England launched a baby loss certificate scheme in 2024. Scotland introduced a memorial book and certificate in 2023 for losses before 24 weeks. Wales is also looking into the scheme. Other jurisdictions, such as Germany and Australia, provide early pregnancy loss certificates. In the North, my Sinn Féin colleagues have brought forward the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, which is progressing in the Assembly. There is plenty of precedent and no reason we should not have the register here.

The provision of paid leave for women who experience pregnancy loss, including pregnancies under 24 weeks, is also something already established in other countries. With this Bill, we would be bringing Ireland into line with progressive international practices.

Losing a baby during any stage of pregnancy is heartbreaking. Acknowledging this can be greatly important for families and sends a clear message to parents that their love and grief is real and that they are not alone. I hope that the Minister will support the passage of the Bill through the Seanad and that we get cross-party support, so families who go through pregnancy loss can get the supports and acknowledgement they need.