Over 80% of rural Irish adults support extending workplace leave entitlements to women who have had abortions, according to a new survey that reveals strong backing for pregnancy loss protections across communities traditionally viewed as conservative on reproductive issues.
The Irish Examiner and Ipsos B&A Rural Ireland Thinks survey examined attitudes toward recently introduced workplace supports for women who experience early pregnancy loss, defined as loss before 23 weeks of gestation. The legislation covers both miscarriage and termination. Overall, 81% of respondents supported including abortion in the scheme, with 68% strongly agreeing and 13% somewhat agreeing.
Support proved strongest among younger respondents. Some 82% of those aged 24-34 backed the measure, compared with 54% of those aged 65 and over. Across all age groups, however, most respondents supported access to abortion services in Ireland. Opposition to abortion stood at 27% among rural adults overall, rising to 44% among those over 65.
Broader Support For Pregnancy Loss Leave
Workplace leave following early pregnancy loss enjoyed even wider backing. A striking 94% of respondents supported the measure, with 83% strongly supporting it and 11% somewhat supporting it.
The Government approved plans for the Leave for Pregnancy Loss Bill in July. Enterprise and employment minister Peter Burke said the legislation ended “a cliff edge in law” that separated supports for late pregnancy loss from other women. Under the proposals, women would receive five days’ paid leave each year, subject to a medical certificate. The entitlement would apply from the first day of employment, though eligibility for payment requires 13 weeks’ service.
Hopes For Silence To End
Corrinne Hasson, executive director of the National Women’s Council, welcomed the support for all types of loss. “For too long, women and girls in these situations carried their stories and their pain in silence,” she said. “That day is hopefully gone.”
Hasson noted that the survey findings offer encouragement beyond legal protections. “It is significant to see such strong support for leave after a termination and for abortion access in general, suggesting that, like with repeal, Irish people are far more progressive about abortion than politicians believe,” she said.
A cross-party Oireachtas group continues examining issues related to pregnancy and infant loss. The group, chaired by Senator Nicole Ryan, is developing plans to introduce certificates of loss for women who experience early pregnancy loss.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of rural Irish adults support workplace leave for abortion?
Over 81 percent of rural Irish respondents supported including abortion in workplace leave schemes, with 68 percent strongly agreeing.
How much paid leave would women receive under the proposed legislation?
Women would receive five days of paid leave each year, subject to providing a medical certificate.
Which age group showed the strongest support for the measure?
Those aged 24-34 showed the strongest support at 82 percent, compared with 54 percent of those aged 65 and over.
What is the 94% support figure in the survey about?
94 percent of respondents supported workplace leave following early pregnancy loss more generally, encompassing all types of loss.
When did the Government approve the Leave for Pregnancy Loss Bill?
The Government approved plans for the Leave for Pregnancy Loss Bill in July.
