The National Party welcomes changes to the Holidays Act that will allow parents who suffer a miscarriage to take three days of bereavement leave, Spokesperson for Women, Nicola Grigg says.

“It used to be that the Holidays Act provided for bereavement leave for the death of a child, however it was unclear whether that applied to the death of an unborn child.

“This amendment clarifies that, and gives both parents the option to take bereavement leave if they suffer a miscarriage or a still birth – even if they weren’t aware of the pregnancy.

“The welfare of women and families is critically important at a time like this and I hope that this clarification of the Law will ease some grief by simplifying leave negotiations between an employee and employer.

“National was pleased to contribute positively to this law change by constructively supporting its passage through Parliament.

“In the spirit of bipartisanship, I’m now looking to the Government for its assistance in having the Parliament of New Zealand officially recognise October 15 as International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

“I am working with members of the public on this to help them achieve their wider goal of approaching the United Nations for recognition as World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day,” Ms Grigg says.