There have been many talks and protests for better maternity and childcare benefits in every state. The laws and provisions from one state to another, but the overall battle cry of mothers everywhere is the same: provide better benefits for them.
Different moms took it to social media to raise awareness about one thing that any law hasn’t considered: stillbirths.
Cassidy’s Story
Cassidy Crough was excited when she knew she was pregnant, but she was worried about any maternal benefits she would get from her employer and the state. She was new to the job and was afraid she wouldn’t be entitled to any maternity benefits in the company.
Her employer ensured her that the state offered paid family leave and that somehow consoled Cassidy’s doubts. But it started sinking in again the moment she had her routine check-up.
Losing Baby Olivia
During that routine check-up, she found out that her baby had no heartbeat anymore. Even with that devastating news, Cassidy had to process everything.
She knew she still needed to deliver her baby, and she did so last March 16. She named her Olivia. They buried her shortly after, and Cassidy hoped to avail her leave to deal with everything that happened.
Request Denied
Cassidy immediately approached the state so she could arrange and avail her paid leave. They said that she didn’t qualify for the state’s family leave since its provisions state that it is a leave given to parents to bond with their newborn.
She was aghast at this information because it was downright unfair. Cassidy stated her disappointment with the state laws and to raise awareness among others who might not know this.
One of Many
Cassidy’s case is just one of many other mothers who experienced stillbirths and were denied their maternal rights.
Other mothers like Elizabeth O’Donnell and Jackie Mancinelli had the same experience in their past stillbirths. They were disappointed how the state overlooked this possibility.
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Both mothers used their bereavement, sick, and vacation leaves to help them recuperate. And while these would make sense in their situation, they believe that what they went through should be part of the state’s maternal or family leave benefits rather than using other leave credits.
They pointed out that it seemed like the state failed to recognize that they still gave birth to a child, and their bodies also had to recuperate from the pregnancy. The grief over a child’s death added up to everything they went through.
They believe it is an emotional slap in their faces that the state’s family leave only recognizes those pregnancies with live births
Fighting Back
These mothers did not only air out a valid concern but have inspired all others to take a stand. They also organized organizations to help grieving mothers all over the country.
Elizabeth started Aaliyah in Action in memory of her baby girl “provide care packages and support for families coping with pregnancy and infant loss.” On the other hand, Jackie created Start Healing Together to provide emotional support and educate all other parents about infertility and infant loss.
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