Bill to give benefits to women who miscarry late approved by ministerial committee on legislation

Woman who miscarry from their 22nd, instead of 26th, week of pregnancy to be given more rights.

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
A doctor stands with stethoscope in this undated handout photo. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A doctor stands with stethoscope in this undated handout photo.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A private member’s bill to give National Insurance Institute rights (including time off work to recuperate and other benefits) to women who miscarry from their 22nd week of pregnancy was on Sunday approved by the ministerial committee on legislation.
The bill would equalize the rights of women who give birth to miscarried fetuses between the 22nd and 25th week and women who deliver after the 26th week.
The bill will now go to the plenum for its preliminary reading and then on to committee for first, second and third readings. The proposal was presented by Yesh Atid MK Aliza Lavie, who is chairman of the Knesset Committee for the Advancement of Women.
The change was proposed to suit the definition of medical experts. It was suggested by the Israel Women’s Lobby following recommendations by the Israel Medical Association’s obstetrics and gynecology society and public pleas.
Miscarriages at this period of gestation are called “silent births” because the fetus does not cry. Lavie said that a “silent birth” is very traumatic and emotionally difficult for the woman who carries the fetus.
At present, she added, women who birth to such “silent babies” have “fallen between the chairs. Until now, women in such a situation have been forced to return to the routine of life in a full manner immediately after suffering from the traumatic event.”
Between 10 percent and 20% of deliveries each year are to miscarried fetuses.