Ireland – Minister defends decision not to distinguish between miscarriage and abortion in new leave law

Peter Burke says women should not be asked the reason for their pregnancy loss

Vivienne Clarke
Wed Jul 15 2026

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has defended the decision not to distinguish between a pregnancy termination and a miscarriage under a new law that will grant five days’ sick leave for early pregnancy loss.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the general scheme of the legislation, which will give women who have experienced pregnancy loss an entitlement to five days of leave once the loss has been certified by their doctor, including in cases where the pregnancy ended in an abortion.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/07/15/minister-defends-decision-not-to-distinguish-between-miscarriage-and-abortion-in-new-leave-law/