Advocating for State Bereavement Leave and Support for Stillbirth in Georgia
Abstract
Abstract: In 2023, Georgia reported a stillbirth rate of 7.4 per 1,000 births, significantly higher than the national average of 5.45 per 1,000 according to the CDC. The Georgia Department of Public Health defines stillbirth, or fetal death, as the loss of a fetus at 20 weeks or later. Despite ranking second highest in stillbirth rates nationally according to the 2022 National Vital Statistic Report, Georgia currently offers no paid bereavement leave for nearly 68000 state employees experiencing this type of loss. Introducing paid leave policies for those affected by stillbirth is essential for advancing maternal health initiatives.
Objectives: This initiative aims to (1) inform policy reform by capturing the lived experiences and recommendations of birthers to support the establishment of a paid bereavement leave policy that includes stillbirth; (2) develop resources, programs, and an accessible listserv to assist and support those affected by stillbirth; and (3) identify and address the gaps in stillbirth research.
Methods: Through partnerships within the Infant Mortality Working Group, Doula Access Working Group, and Perinatal Mental Health Taskforce, we recruited birthers across Georgia for in-depth interviews (N=6). Data from these interviews were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and MAXQDA to identify critical themes and gaps in support for those impacted by stillbirth.
Results: Preliminary findings highlight (1) an urgent need for a comprehensive policy ensuring workplace protections and paid leave for birthers experiencing stillbirth and (2) a significant resource gap for those impacted, with few effective ways to connect them to available support services.
Conclusion: Establishing state-paid bereavement leave policy for those experiencing stillbirth in Georgia is vital to supporting maternal health. The physical and mental toll of stillbirth can be profound, making structured access to resources and supportive programs crucial for enhancing recovery and well-being for affected families. Integrating birther recommendations through policy and program reform represents a compassionate approach to bridging current gaps in support and advocacy for maternal health.
Keywords
Stillbirth, Policy Reform, Resources, Maternal Health, Barevement Leave
Conflict of Interest Form
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Advocating for State Bereavement Leave and Support for Stillbirth in Georgia
Abstract: In 2023, Georgia reported a stillbirth rate of 7.4 per 1,000 births, significantly higher than the national average of 5.45 per 1,000 according to the CDC. The Georgia Department of Public Health defines stillbirth, or fetal death, as the loss of a fetus at 20 weeks or later. Despite ranking second highest in stillbirth rates nationally according to the 2022 National Vital Statistic Report, Georgia currently offers no paid bereavement leave for nearly 68000 state employees experiencing this type of loss. Introducing paid leave policies for those affected by stillbirth is essential for advancing maternal health initiatives.
Objectives: This initiative aims to (1) inform policy reform by capturing the lived experiences and recommendations of birthers to support the establishment of a paid bereavement leave policy that includes stillbirth; (2) develop resources, programs, and an accessible listserv to assist and support those affected by stillbirth; and (3) identify and address the gaps in stillbirth research.
Methods: Through partnerships within the Infant Mortality Working Group, Doula Access Working Group, and Perinatal Mental Health Taskforce, we recruited birthers across Georgia for in-depth interviews (N=6). Data from these interviews were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and MAXQDA to identify critical themes and gaps in support for those impacted by stillbirth.
Results: Preliminary findings highlight (1) an urgent need for a comprehensive policy ensuring workplace protections and paid leave for birthers experiencing stillbirth and (2) a significant resource gap for those impacted, with few effective ways to connect them to available support services.
Conclusion: Establishing state-paid bereavement leave policy for those experiencing stillbirth in Georgia is vital to supporting maternal health. The physical and mental toll of stillbirth can be profound, making structured access to resources and supportive programs crucial for enhancing recovery and well-being for affected families. Integrating birther recommendations through policy and program reform represents a compassionate approach to bridging current gaps in support and advocacy for maternal health.
