Update 4 August 2018: Labour MP Ginny Andersen has submitted a Members' Bill to the government ballot. The intention of the bill is to ensure that people bereaved by miscarriage are able to take bereavement leave. 

Background: Unfortunately I experienced a miscarriage in 2016. Miscarriage happens in one in four pregnancies, but it's rarely talked about. There is little medical information about miscarriage available, and it doesn't even count as a reason to take bereavement leave under our Holidays Act. I would like to change all of these things. 

If you've found this page because you are experiencing miscarriage and don't know where to turn, try Miscarriage Support for grief support (also try the Miscarriage Support Facebook group). Contact your GP, midwife or Healthline (open 24/7) for information. Visit your hospital or White Cross if you need to. 

Holidays Act

Our Holidays Act specifies a number of reasons for taking bereavement leave - but miscarriage is not one of them. I'm working with a local MP to try to get this amended via a Private Members Bill. Read my letter to MPs here. Please get in touch if you support this letter - it will be stronger with your support. 

NZ pregnancy book

The NZ Pregnancy Book is over 400 pages long. It only has two pages specifically about miscarriage - but chances are 25% of women who buy the book will go on to lose their babies. If you think our national pregnancy book should include information about miscarriage, check out my letter to the editor.