Starting in 2024, a new law in California aims to provide time off for workers dealing with reproductive loss. Esmiralda Garcia, who faced the devastating experience of a late-term pregnancy loss, shared her heartbreaking story. Despite a seemingly perfect pregnancy, Garcia tragically lost her baby girl, Camille, on her due date in May 2015.
California Senator Susan Rubio, the driving force behind Senate Bill 848, explained the legislation’s purpose. The law mandates that companies with five or more employees in California must offer bereavement leave for situations like miscarriage, stillbirth, failed IVF, failed adoption, and other forms of reproductive loss.
Senator Rubio emphasized the universality of the issue, stating, “Everyone’s been touched by either miscarriage or a loss of trying to become a family.” The new law provides five days of protected leave per quarter for affected employees, with an annual cap at 20 days.
The legislation aims to support grieving families, acknowledging the pain they endure and providing the necessary time to grieve and heal. Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of protecting workers from retaliation, ensuring they can return to work without fear.
Esmiralda Garcia, who recognizes that no amount of time off can erase the pain of losing her baby, has found solace in her garden. Transforming her grief into a business, Garcia now creates succulent arrangements in honor of her late daughter, supporting other families dealing with reproductive loss.
While the new law cannot undo the profound loss experienced by families like the Garcias, it seeks to provide a crucial support system and acknowledgment of the emotional toll of reproductive loss.