Supporting those affected by early pregnancy loss

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell, and co-founder and CEO of Pink Elephants Samantha Payne, hosted an event at Parliament House today to raise awareness of the support available to families during this tough time. 

Ms Mitchell said the NSW Government understands the significant impact that miscarriage and pregnancy loss has on families and the important role employers can play in supporting those impacted.  

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government introduced measures to ensure that women working in the public service who have experienced early pregnancy loss can access up to five days of leave. The Department of Education extends this to all their employees,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“This leave offers public sector parents the option to take time to focus on their mental health and wellbeing during a really challenging time of their life. 

“I know from personal experience how hard it is to overcome a pregnancy loss, which is why I am so proud of our Government’s investment to provide this leave in last year’s Budget.  

“We are calling on all employers to follow our lead and give their employees the same opportunity to access leave if they need it.”  

Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said that miscarriage is still not widely spoken about despite the huge impact it can have on a woman’s mental health. 

"Miscarriage and pregnancy loss is not widely spoken about and can be a difficult topic to discuss. This is why the NSW Government is supporting women through what can be an incredibly traumatic experience,” Mrs Taylor said.  

“Earlier this year, the NSW Government provided the Pink Elephants Support Network with a $100,000 grant under the Investing in Women Program. The grant is helping Pink Elephants increase their digital reach to ensure every woman, especially women in regional and remote communities, access support.  

“I want every woman to be able to reach out to a service and have quality care no matter where they live. We are so proud to support Pink Elephants.” 

Ms Payne said Pink Elephants is driven to ensure no one faces the journey of early pregnancy loss alone.

“Miscarriage is an individual journey, but it is not one that should be walked alone,” Ms Payne said.

“That’s why I co-founder Pink Elephants – to assist anyone experiencing miscarriage access the support and guidance they need through their own healing process.

“I thank the NSW Government for their support and for ensuring families are supported through the heartbreak of early pregnancy loss.”

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:  

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511