I’m asking the Federal Government of Australia for the following - 

• Scrap the $3766.14 Stillborn Baby lump sum payment 
• And introduce an Infant Loss Payment of $10,000 that includes all causes of death from the start of second trimester through to infant loss (first twelve months of life) 

These causes of death including late miscarriage, stillborn, neonatal death, infant loss and termination for medical reasons 

 

More than 8700 families in Australia each year will suffer the loss of stillbirth, neonatal death, infant loss and termination for medical reasons

 

At present, the Federal Government pay out a lump sum of $3766.14 to the families of a stillborn baby, which equates to just over 4 and a half weeks pay at minimum wage. 

 

The remaining causes of death mentioned above, no payment and next to no financial support.

I don’t believe this is good enough.

 

While I understand and respect that the Federal Government can’t help everyone, I believe that more has to be done to assist the following groups financially.

 

In June last year, my son died and was classified as a neonatal death. At the time I was self-employed and could only afford to close my business for three weeks. This wasn’t anywhere near enough time to process this loss and grieve the sudden death of our son.

 

In January this year, my wife and I had to terminate a pregnancy due to medical reasons and I had just started a new job so naturally, I didn’t have much leave accrued and was back at work after three days.

Again, nowhere near enough time to grieve another monumental loss. 

 

The impact that both of these losses has had on my mental well-being is so big that I can’t even begin to describe.

 

We’re one of more than 8700 families that will face similar circumstances this year.

 

$10,000 is a touch over 12 weeks pay at minimum wage and I believe this amount gives the Father/partner/non birthing parent an opportunity to grieve their loss privately without the stress of needing to go to work purely because they have no other financial option and allow them to transition back into the work force gradually over time. 

If you agree, please sign & re-share this petition

 

Thank you for reading
Chris wood