Cork TD highlights urgent need for increased pregnancy loss supports   

A Cork TD has issued an urgent call for increased pregnancy loss supports for women and families across Ireland during this Dáil term.

Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, has called on the government to take action on ensuring there is adequate leave and supports for people who suffer pregnancy loss.

He has also said there is a need for cross-party and cross-departmental action and this should be an area that gets more focus in this Dáil term in comparison with previous terms.

Mr Ó Laoghaire’s comments come following a recent meeting in Leinster House hosted by Sinn Féin seanadóir Nicole Ryan, which was attended by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG) at UCC, Féileacáin, and the Miscarriage Association of Ireland.

Supports

Mr Ó Laoghaire said additional supports, such as bereavement leave, need to be considered for those impacted by pregnancy loss as there are “thousands upon thousands of people in Cork”, including his own family, who have experienced miscarriages.

“Pregnancy loss can be a lonely and very challenging period in people’s lives, people experience pregnancy loss differently but many will experience grief,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“Like many across Cork and Ireland, my family has experienced pregnancy loss. I know that it can be a really challenging and really lonely time.

“The area of pregnancy loss is one that affects thousands upon thousands of people in Cork and across Ireland, [yet] it rarely gets the attention that it deserves from government.

“Even though there has been progress in recent years, there is still a great deal that needs to be done,” he added. “It needs to become much more a part of the political discussion — there is an awful lot more that is needed, many developed countries offer leave for people who experience pregnancy loss.

“While some employers are very understanding, and have good policies in place, others are not, and people have to return to work in the context of grief and severe distress.

“I will work with anyone from government and opposition to try and advance this, and I believe that there is a cross-party oireachtas group on pregnancy and infant loss being established as this is an area that does need greater focus.”