We're campaigning for 10 days paid reproductive health leave for ALL workers
WHAT IS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LEAVE?
Reproductive health leave is an entitlement that allows all workers to take time off to manage their reproductive health, including attending preventative screening appointments. It covers a range of issues including:
- menopause and perimenopause
- menstruation
- fertility treatments
- pregnancy
- contraception
- vasectomy
- miscarriage
- termination
- poly-cystic ovarian syndrome
- endometriosis
- hormone therapy
- hysterectomy
- screenings for breast and prostate cancer
WHY DO WE NEED IT?
ABS data shows that 26.8% of working women retire under the age of 55, and on average, women are retiring seven years before men, and 12 years before their desired age of retirement.
The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees estimated in 2023 that menopause may cost women in the 50-54 age group more than $15 billion per year in lost earnings and superannuation for every year of early retirement.
Millions of Australian women are impacted by chronic conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, with the economic cost of absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced workforce participation estimated to be several billion dollars.
To help address the gender pay gap, reduce reproductive health stigma, support workers’ health and wellbeing, and create more inclusive workplaces across the country, workers need access to paid reproductive health leave.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
The impact of reproductive health issues on the Australian workforce – and workers’ health and wellbeing – has long been overlooked. In addition to causing serious physical and mental pain and logistical difficulties there is an ignorance, isolation and stigma around reproductive health issues that cause workers to suffer in silence, and is linked to high rates of missed work and work opportunities. Impacts from delays in diagnosis can result in significant health implications for both men and women.
– Suffering in Silence: making the case for reproductive leave in Australia | The McKell Institute, 2024
The annual net cost of a universal entitlement would be $1.7 billion – the equivalent of only $140 per year per employed worker. Not providing this entitlement costs the economy up to $21.3 billion annually in lost time, presenteeism, absenteeism and reduced workforce participation. |
The costs and benefits of implementing a universal reproductive health leave entitlement in Australia | Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, 2025
Breaking taboos: menopause and menstrual leave policy framework | Financial Services Union, 2024
What would it mean for workers?
