Kerry healthcare worker who had stillbirth at 20 weeks wants change in HSE bereavement policy

Because her pregnancy did not make it to 24 weeks, the woman was not entitled to any leave after the birth

In Ireland, if you have a stillbirth or miscarriage any time after the 24th week of pregnancy, you are entitled to full maternity leave, but not earlier.

A Kerry healthcare worker denied bereavement leave following a stillbirth at 20 weeks has urged the HSE to change its leave policy.

The woman worked in a local hospital throughout the pandemic. She became pregnant earlier this year before she and her partner tragically found out the pregnancy was not viable and she would have to give birth at 20 weeks.