Quebec families need more bereavement support after late-term pregnancy loss, MNA says

Families who’ve lost a baby are calling on Quebec to extend parental leave and financial support, saying current laws don’t recognize their grief.

Quebec families experiencing late-term pregnancy loss need more support from the government, including emotional and financial help, according to Quebec Liberal (PLQ) MNA Désirée McGraw.

The representative for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce said Wednesday that she sent a request to the Committee on Economy and Labour for a mandate to improve aid to grieving parents.

In particular, McGraw argues that parents who suffer a loss in the first 19 weeks of pregnancy are not entitled to the same leave and benefits offered to those who experience a termination after the 20th week.

“As legislators, we must reevaluate the support offered to these families facing an unspeakable human tragedy,” she said. “I hope that the Commission will agree to look into this issue to find solutions.”

As it stands, according to Quebec’s Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), in the event of a pregnancy loss, a person may be entitled to:

• maternity benefits or exclusive benefits to the person experiencing pregnancy or childbirth.
• exclusive benefits to the woman or the person experiencing pregnancy or childbirth, in the case of a surrogacy project.

“This termination must occur after the 19th full week of pregnancy,” the QPIP states. “Subject to exceptions, the benefit period ends no later than 20 weeks after the week when the termination of pregnancy occurs.”

McGraw laments that before the 19th week, the parent who did not carry the child is not eligible for any compensation under the QPIP.

After 20 weeks, the father or co-parent is entitled to two days of paid leave provided by their employer under the Labour Standards Act, as well as three days of unpaid leave.

If a baby dies after birth, parents “lose weeks of parental leave benefits, which creates a significant inequity and leaves many families without adequate support, both financially and emotionally,” said McGraw.

She points out that in Quebec, an estimated 23,000 families are affected by late-term pregnancy loss every year.

“It is well documented that families experiencing perinatal bereavement are exposed to profound psychosocial consequences, increased isolation and impacts on mental health, marital relationships, and careers,” she said.

Pregnancy loss at any stage is a “deeply traumatic experience” that is often invisible and affects all parties involved, explains Marie-Claude Dufour, executive director of the Quebec Network of Perinatal Resource Centres.

“Perinatal bereavement is the loss of a dream future, cherished plans, and the hope of parenthood,” she said. “It is time for our society to fully recognize this reality and offer them real leave so that they can grieve and rebuild their lives together.”

She adds that the request for fuller support has been repeatedly expressed by grieving parents.

I’ve experienced perinatal loss

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) explains that a person admitted to hospital for pregnancy loss can “bring whoever you wish to give you support during your hospital stay.”

The doctor will first do an exam before inducing labour.

“If you and/or your partner wish to talk to someone about your feelings, you can ask your nurse to call a social worker, a spiritual care counsellor or the advanced practice nurse,” notes the MUHC. “You may also request religious services.”

Once the baby is born, families will have the option to hold their child.

“Most families found the experience of holding their baby helpful in their grieving process,” the hospital says.

Autopsies can be offered and burial options given to the families.

“A memory box will be created when your baby is born. Pictures will be taken and will be given at your request,” the MUHC said. “If you do not wish to take this box or the pictures home with you, we will keep them for you in case you change your mind.”

The hospital stresses that some bleeding, as well as intense feelings of grief and mourning, are normal post-partum.

The MUHC notes that it can make funeral arrangements, including cremation and placing the ashes in a community plot, but families have the option of making their own decisions.

Many funeral homes will do the cremation for free, and some offer a reduced fee for the ceremony.

A follow-up with your physician is encouraged eight to 10 weeks after delivery, where preliminary autopsy results, if requested, may be discussed.

Final autopsy results may only be available six to 12 months after delivery.

I need support

Here are some resources available for anyone experiencing perinatal loss:

Le Phare – Enfants et Familles

Montreal pediatric palliative care home offering free and unlimited grief support to parents, siblings and grandparents experiencing perinatal loss.

• 514-787-8818
• [e-mail]

West Island Women’s Centre

The WIWC has a free online support group for women dealing with miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death called Healing Together.

• 514-781-8529
• [e-mail]

Family care collective

The collective offers peer support groups with experienced facilitators.

• 514-961-1766
• [e-mail]

Indigenous Health Centre of Tiohtià:ke

The centre has a health navigator, traditional healers and psychotherapy for Indigenous patients.

• 514-482-8557
• [e-mail]

Centre for Reproductive Loss

The centre provides compassionate care and resources to those who have experienced reproductive loss.

• [e-mail]

Parents Orphelins

A resource for parents experiencing perinatal bereavement.

• 514-686-4880
• [e-mail]

Parents d’Ange Québec

An organization helping parents through moments of difficulty after losing a child.

• 581-372-6859
• [e-mail]

Les Perséides

An organization that helps families directly affected by perinatal loss.

• 418-948-1615
• [e-mail]

You can also consult your local CLSC to find out about services in your area.