Hirsha Venkataraman and his wife were deeply affected by the news. At the time, his wife was eight months pregnant and suddenly noticed a lack of movement from their baby girl, Talia. Their worst fears were confirmed by the doctor – Talia no longer had a heartbeat.
“We didn’t qualify for New York’s paid leave because we didn’t give a live birth and I wasn’t working,” Venkataraman expressed. “It’s really problematic, especially considering that New York is generally a pretty progressive state in terms of legislation. It bothers me that families like ours aren’t being taken care of. It feels like we’re being overlooked.”
Venkataraman emphasized that legislators often fail to recognize the crucial nature of this type of care. Moreover, she pointed out that providing such care will not strain the budgets of state or federal entities. In fact, it is an essential form of care that is both affordable and necessary.
Venkataraman is currently utilizing his legal expertise to support families dealing with reproductive trauma. As a member of PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, a nonprofit organization advocating for paid leave for parents who have experienced stillbirth, he is assisting individuals like Cassidy Perrone.
Advocacy groups push for paid family leave for parents after stillbirth
Advocacy groups are making a strong push for paid family leave for parents who experience the loss of a stillborn child. This issue, which has long been overlooked, is finally gaining attention and support from various organizations.
The devastating experience of stillbirth takes a significant toll on parents emotionally, physically, and mentally. It is a loss that requires time for healing and grieving, and paid family leave can provide the necessary support during this difficult period.
Parents who go through the heartbreaking experience of stillbirth face numerous challenges. Not only do they have to cope with the loss of their baby, but they also have to navigate the physical recovery and emotional turmoil that follows.
The current lack of paid family leave forces parents to return to work before they are ready, adding additional stress to an already traumatic situation.
Paid family leave for parents after stillbirth would allow them the time and space to grieve, heal, and process their emotions. It would provide parents with the necessary support to take care of their physical and mental well-being during this challenging time.
This support is crucial in helping parents cope with the loss and navigate the complex emotions that come with stillbirth.
Advocacy groups argue that paid family leave for parents after stillbirth is not only a matter of compassion but also a matter of recognizing the importance of mental health.
The loss of a child is a deeply traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on parents’ mental well-being. Providing paid family leave acknowledges the significance of this grief and the need for adequate time off work to recover.
Some companies and organizations have already recognized the importance of paid family leave for parents after stillbirth. They have implemented policies that allow parents to take time off work without financial strain, ensuring they have the support they need during such a difficult time.
However, there is still a long way to go in terms of widespread adoption of this policy. Advocacy groups continue to push for legislative changes that would make paid family leave for parents after stillbirth a standard practice.
They argue that this policy is not only beneficial for parents but also for society as a whole. By providing parents with the necessary support, we can help reduce the long-term emotional and mental impact of stillbirth, ultimately leading to healthier individuals and stronger communities.
The push for paid family leave for parents after stillbirth is gaining momentum, thanks to the efforts of advocacy groups. It is a necessary step towards recognizing the unique challenges faced by parents who experience the loss of a stillborn child.
By providing paid family leave, we can offer the support and compassion that these parents desperately need during their healing journey. However, the bill is currently on hold, leaving parents in a state of hope and anticipation for a vote to take place.
Perrone expressed the emotional toll they endure when engaging in discussions with politicians and government officials, stating, “It is challenging for us to constantly revisit these painful memories.
Every time we speak to a senator, congressman, or the governor’s office, we are forced to relive that trauma. However, we understand that this is the necessary path towards bringing about change.”
Venkataraman is using his voice to advocate for change while he awaits the bill’s vote. He has organized a fundraiser called A Run for Thalia, which takes place every year on October 18, his daughter’s birthday.
“I always strive to make my daughter proud with everything I do. Whether it’s running a mile or just a block, I encourage everyone to take part in raising awareness for stillbirth,” he expressed.
The availability of maternity leave benefits for moms who experience stillbirths remains limited. This lack of support creates an additional burden for women already dealing with the devastating loss of their baby. Despite the emotional and physical toll, many mothers are not entitled to the same benefits as those who give birth to live babies.
The absence of specific policies addressing stillbirths in maternity leave benefits leaves grieving mothers without the support and time they need to heal.
This oversight perpetuates the notion that stillbirths are not recognized as a valid reason for maternity leave. The lack of understanding surrounding stillbirths and the unique challenges they present further marginalizes these women during an already difficult time.
By acknowledging the profound impact stillbirths have on mothers and their families, society can work towards implementing inclusive policies that provide the necessary support. Maternity leave benefits should be extended to moms who experience stillbirths, allowing them the time and space to grieve and recover.
It is crucial to recognize the physical and emotional toll that stillbirths have on mothers and provide them with the same rights and benefits as those who give birth to live babies.
“Every mother deserves the time and support to heal after experiencing the loss of a child, regardless of the circumstances,” says Sarah, a mother who experienced a stillbirth.
“Maternity leave benefits should be inclusive of all mothers, including those who have gone through the tragedy of stillbirths. It’s a matter of compassion and understanding.”
By reevaluating existing policies and implementing changes that address the unique needs of mothers who experience stillbirths, society can take a step towards providing the necessary support during an incredibly challenging time.
Maternity leave benefits should be available to all mothers, regardless of the outcome of their pregnancy, ensuring that they have the opportunity to heal and recover without the added stress of financial instability.
“It’s not just concerning that New York lacks a definitive policy to support individuals in our situation, but what’s even more concerning is that there are states throughout the country that don’t offer paid leave at all,” he expressed.
Venkataraman is optimistic that as the election approaches, the candidates will come to recognize the potential impact of endorsing paid family leave.
