Mothers with cancer demand maternity leave deferral for treatment
Mothers diagnosed with cancer during or after pregnancy are spending their maternity leave undergoing life-saving treatment instead of bonding with their babies, leading to calls for the leave to be deferred until after treatment is completed.
Emotional and financial struggles highlighted
Anna Priest, a mother of three, shared her experience of battling breast cancer during her maternity leave, emphasising the emotional, physical, and financial challenges caused by the inability to postpone it. She described how, instead of enjoying precious time with her newborn, she was fighting for her life, a situation that has sparked a campaign for change.
Charity reveals alarming statistics
According to the charity Mummy's Star, at least two women in the UK are diagnosed with cancer daily during or around pregnancy. A survey by the charity found that 94 per cent of mothers reported disrupted maternity leave due to cancer diagnoses, underscoring the widespread impact of this issue.
Campaign urges government action
The #SaveOurBond campaign is urging the government to allow maternity leave to be deferred until cancer treatment has finished. The campaign suggests that women should automatically go on sick leave during treatment, preserving their maternity leave for bonding time afterwards. This proposal aims to provide better support for working families facing such crises.
Government response and ongoing review
A UK government spokesperson stated that they are exploring how to better support working families through a parental leave review. This indicates potential for policy changes, though specific measures have not yet been announced, leaving many mothers in limbo as they navigate treatment and motherhood simultaneously.
