Millions of Australians dealing with fertility issues, endometriosis, miscarriage, menopause and prostate conditions could receive additional workplace leave under a union push for a new national entitlement.
The Health Services Union is campaigning for 12 days of paid reproductive health leave to be included in the National Employment Standards, arguing too many workers are being forced to choose between their health and their job.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Push for paid reproductive health leave in Australia
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For HSU National Senior Assistant Secretary Kate Marshall, the issue is deeply personal. Marshall’s twin daughters were conceived through IVF after a challenging fertility journey.
“Within those two years I did experience one loss at 12 weeks and two chemical pregnancies which are incredibly hard to bounce back from,” she told 7NEWS.
While she says she was fortunate to have an understanding employer, many Australians are not.
“There are people out there who’ve had to forego families. They’ve had to choose work over going through IVF. They’ve had to choose work over their own health,” Marshall said.
She described the reality of trying to balance treatment and employment.
Kate Marshall is pushing for more reproductive leave. Credit: 7NEWS “You walk around with a little freezer bag full of needles because you know you have to inject yourself at work,” she said.
“There are blood tests that need to be done. There are scans that need to be done. There are procedures.”
“In a two week period, I think I had about three general anaesthetics.”
The proposed leave would cover appointments, treatments and recovery associated with reproductive health conditions including IVF, endometriosis, miscarriage, menopause, vasectomies and prostate issues.
The HSU says the campaign is about recognising reproductive health as a workplace issue rather than forcing employees to use sick leave.
“You don’t need to take personal leave. You aren’t sick when you have endometriosis. You’re not sick when you’re going through IVF. You are going through a process that needs compassion and it needs understanding.”
Some businesses already offer additional leave. Credit: 7NEWS Fertility specialist Dr Rachael Rodgers says reproductive health conditions can significantly affect a person’s ability to work.
“If someone has a significant reproductive issue, they will be struggling at work,” she said.
Rodgers told 7NEWS women undergoing lengthy IVF treatment can face enormous emotional and psychological pressure, particularly when workplace support is lacking.
“If they’re going to work and they’re dealing with a difficult boss that is not understanding, not giving them the leave that they need, they can really have a bad time through the whole process,” she said.
She also sees women delaying treatment because of work commitments.
“Often the discussion is, I’ve got an important work function then, or I’m going to be really busy at this time, can’t start it here, I’ll have to leave it until then to get it done,” Rodgers said.
“And that’s sad because women should be able to access medical care when they need it.”
Some employers already offer additional reproductive health leave, while others point to existing sick and personal leave provisions.
But the union argues a dedicated entitlement would improve productivity and workforce participation.
“Employers are actually paying more now for loss of productivity in the workplace due to reproductive health issues,” Marshall said.
The push comes as the HSU presents its case to a parliamentary inquiry examining the adequacy of Australia’s National Employment Standards.
Business groups did not want to comment.