10 signatures reached
To: The Governor, Texas Employers, Healthcare Professionals, Hospitals, Professional Medical Organizations, Maternal Health & Pregnancy Loss Organizations, Business Organizations
No Mother Should Lose Her Job After Losing Her Baby
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A mother who experiences stillbirth does everything a new mother does—she goes through labor, gives birth, recovers physically, experiences postpartum hormonal changes, and often even produces breast milk. The only difference is that she returns home with empty arms instead of a newborn.
I remember when I lost my son to stillbirth after 40 weeks of pregnancy, a few days before my baby's funeral my job wanted to know when I would return to work. Dealing with such profound grief and being in such a fog I had no answer. I said I'm not sure I have to bury my baby in a few days. I can't give you a time. I didn't even want to get out of the bed or leave my home. After feeling unsupported and pressured to give an answer. I quit. The lack of compassion and support broke me even more.
I remember when I lost my son to stillbirth after 40 weeks of pregnancy, a few days before my baby's funeral my job wanted to know when I would return to work. Dealing with such profound grief and being in such a fog I had no answer. I said I'm not sure I have to bury my baby in a few days. I can't give you a time. I didn't even want to get out of the bed or leave my home. After feeling unsupported and pressured to give an answer. I quit. The lack of compassion and support broke me even more.
In Texas, too many grieving mothers are expected to return to work before they have had adequate time to heal. They are forced to choose between protecting their mental health and protecting their paycheck. Many return to work while planning a funeral, navigating postpartum recovery, managing anxiety or depression, and trying to survive the unimaginable loss of their child.
This is not just a family issue—it is a workforce issue, a maternal health issue, and a Texas issue.
Every year, thousands of American families experience stillbirth. Research shows that parents who experience stillbirth face significantly higher risks of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and prolonged grief. Despite these well-documented health impacts, workplace policies often fail to recognize that stillbirth involves both childbirth and bereavement.
We can do better.
We are calling on the Texas Legislature to establish workplace protections that recognize the unique needs of families after stillbirth, including:
- Extended job-protected leave following stillbirth.
- Protection against job loss or retaliation while recovering.
- Access to mental health support and grief counseling.
- Flexible return-to-work accommodations when medically appropriate.
- Training for employers and supervisors on compassionate, trauma-informed responses to pregnancy loss.
Supporting grieving mothers is not only the compassionate choice—it is also good for Texas businesses. Employees who receive meaningful support are more likely to remain with their employer, return to work successfully, and contribute to a healthier, more stable workforce. Investing in families strengthens our communities and our economy.
No parent should have to choose between grieving their baby and keeping their job.
If you believe every Texas family deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to heal after stillbirth, please add your name today.
Together, we can help Texas become a leader in supporting families during one of life's most devastating experiences.
Sign this petition and stand with Texas families.
Why is this important?
This campaign is about more than stillbirth. It is about compassion, dignity, and ensuring that no Texas family has to choose between healing and earning a living after an unimaginable loss.
Stillbirth is a tragedy that can affect any family, regardless of age, race, income, or background. While we cannot prevent every loss, we can change how families are supported afterward.
By joining this campaign, you are standing for:
- Healthy families. Parents deserve the time and support needed to recover physically and emotionally after childbirth and the loss of a baby.
- Stronger workplaces. Compassionate policies help employers retain experienced employees, improve morale, and foster workplaces where people know they will be supported during life's most difficult moments.
- Better mental health. Early access to counseling and workplace flexibility can help reduce the long-term effects of grief and trauma, allowing parents to return to work healthier and more prepared.
- Economic stability. No parent should have to worry about losing a paycheck, health insurance, or a career while recovering from childbirth and grieving their child.
- A stronger Texas. Supporting families during times of crisis builds healthier communities, strengthens the workforce, and demonstrates the values of compassion, resilience, and responsibility.
You do not have to have experienced stillbirth to make a difference. You may sign because you are a parent, a grandparent, a friend, a coworker, a healthcare professional, an employer, or simply someone who believes that every family deserves compassion.
Together, we can help create a Texas where every mother who experiences stillbirth is given the time, support, and dignity she needs to heal without fearing the loss of her job.
Your voice matters. Your signature matters. Together, our voices can change lives.
We're not asking for sympathy. We're advocating for a stronger Texas workforce, healthier families, and policies that recognize the realities of childbirth, postpartum recovery, and the profound impact of stillbirth.
We're not asking for sympathy. We're advocating for a stronger Texas workforce, healthier families, and policies that recognize the realities of childbirth, postpartum recovery, and the profound impact of stillbirth.