Advocates are urging Governor Hochul to expand New York’s paid family leave statute to cover parents who suffer the loss of an infant due to stillbirth.
Cassidy Crough, 34, a Hudson Valley woman whose daughter Olivia died at 36 weeks when the umbilical cord became wrapped around her neck, argues that current law does not provide New York mothers who experience a stillbirth with paid family leave, forcing them to return to work just days after giving birth. After 16 hours of labor, Crough welcomed Olivia into the world.
Improved Paid Family Leave
Smith suffered a painful postpartum recovery, complete with mastitis an infection of the breast tissue while also mourning the loss of her child. Her postpartum body was acting normally. Heath didn’t need her milk, but she had no idea.
Smith was compensated with three days of bereavement leave, as well as emergency and vacation time. The much-touted paid family leave program in New York City did not take into account the employee’s death.
There is an effort afoot to expand New York’s Paid Family Leave program to cover stillbirth. The state senate is now debating the bill.
Read more: SSDI Payments: December schedule of payment distribution]
New York Family Leave
Mt. Sinai is home to the first clinic in the country dedicated to helping women who have experienced a stillbirth, and its director, Dr. Joanne Stone, leads the Rainbow Clinic. In her opinion, one way to help these bereaved families is to provide them with paid time off.
Marny and her husband have now welcomed a daughter, Zosia, but they still keep Heath’s memory close at hand.
The Governor’s Office for Kathy Hochul told FOX 5 News in a Statement: Governor Hochul has the utmost respect and compassion for parents who must endure the psychological and physical trauma of losing a child to stillbirth due to his or her own personal experience as a parent and as an elected leader.
Throughout her time in office, Governor Hochul has made improving maternal health and the lives of children and their families a top priority. She plans to keep working with lawmakers to find solutions to these problems and provide relief for those who are suffering as a result.
Read more: Social Security: Can SSA investigate bank accounts for multiple claims?
