WLBT-TV Jackson
Hyde-Smith backs bill that would offer parental leave following miscarriages, stillbirths
By WLBT Staff
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has backed a bill that would provide parental leave and compensation to parents following a miscarriage and stillbirth.
She joined U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing this bill, according to a release.
The Helping with Equal Access to Leave and Investing in Needs for Grieving Mothers and Fathers Act (HEALING Mothers and Fathers Act) would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act to include the spontaneous loss of an unborn child as a qualifying medical condition for FMLA leave.
It would also establish a tax credit for a woman who suffers the loss of a child in the womb.
“It has taken policymakers too long to recognize that parents should be allowed time to heal following a miscarriage or stillbirth. The loss of a child is devastating and heartbreaking for families, and this legislation formally acknowledges their need for time following such a loss,” Hyde-Smith said.