Grant bereavement leave for parents in Indiana
The Issue
Bereavement leave is a fundamental right for grieving parents. My name is Nichole Reece, and this issue is deeply personal to me. In March 2023, I joined Indiana University Health, a place I believed to share the values of compassion and caring. However, my experience taught me a painful lesson about the urgent need for change in how we handle parental loss in the workforce.
In my own life, I faced the unimaginable tragedy of losing a child. The emotional turmoil was indescribable, yet I was expected by the norms of our state to return to my duties as if nothing had changed. This lack of support compelled me to reconsider the current policies surrounding bereavement leave. Parents endure the distressing task of grieving while shouldering the burden of maintaining their employment—a choice no parent should ever have to make.
Studies indicate that grief impacts productivity and personal well-being significantly. According to the American Psychological Association, bereavement is associated with significant physical health risks, including increased susceptibility to illness due to stress. Furthermore, the economic cost of untreated grief is estimated at billions annually for businesses due to absenteeism and loss of productivity. Compassionate policies are not only humane but fiscally responsible.
Many states understand the importance of providing this support. In California, for example, bereavement leave policies are in place, allowing parents the time needed to navigate their grief without the added pressure of job security fears. It’s time for Indiana to follow suit. I am calling on the Indiana General Assembly and Governor of Indiana to legislate mandatory bereavement leave for parents who suffer the tragedy of losing a child.
Change cannot occur without the voices of the community. I urge everyone who believes in compassionate and empathetic workplace practices to join me in this cause. Together, we can ensure that no parent in Indiana has to choose between their job and their grief.
Please sign this petition and let your voice be heard. Together, we can push for policies that reflect the true values of empathy and understanding.
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The Issue
Bereavement leave is a fundamental right for grieving parents. My name is Nichole Reece, and this issue is deeply personal to me. In March 2023, I joined Indiana University Health, a place I believed to share the values of compassion and caring. However, my experience taught me a painful lesson about the urgent need for change in how we handle parental loss in the workforce.
In my own life, I faced the unimaginable tragedy of losing a child. The emotional turmoil was indescribable, yet I was expected by the norms of our state to return to my duties as if nothing had changed. This lack of support compelled me to reconsider the current policies surrounding bereavement leave. Parents endure the distressing task of grieving while shouldering the burden of maintaining their employment—a choice no parent should ever have to make.
Studies indicate that grief impacts productivity and personal well-being significantly. According to the American Psychological Association, bereavement is associated with significant physical health risks, including increased susceptibility to illness due to stress. Furthermore, the economic cost of untreated grief is estimated at billions annually for businesses due to absenteeism and loss of productivity. Compassionate policies are not only humane but fiscally responsible.
Many states understand the importance of providing this support. In California, for example, bereavement leave policies are in place, allowing parents the time needed to navigate their grief without the added pressure of job security fears. It’s time for Indiana to follow suit. I am calling on the Indiana General Assembly and Governor of Indiana to legislate mandatory bereavement leave for parents who suffer the tragedy of losing a child.
Change cannot occur without the voices of the community. I urge everyone who believes in compassionate and empathetic workplace practices to join me in this cause. Together, we can ensure that no parent in Indiana has to choose between their job and their grief.
Please sign this petition and let your voice be heard. Together, we can push for policies that reflect the true values of empathy and understanding.
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Petition created on August 30, 2026