WHAT IS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING LEAVE?

Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Leave recognises men, women and gender diverse people have special health needs connected to their fertility and sexuality.  

Reproductive and sexual health care has traditionally been a taboo topic in the workplace, with members preferring to take time off without pay and struggle on without workplace support than directly address their health needs with an employer.

From menstrual pain and discomfit to the need for surgical interventions like vasectomy or hysterectomy to assisted reproduction and gender transitioning therapies, Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Leave takes away the embarrassment for employees and employers making it clear that there is workplace support for the most personal health issues.

Reproductive and Sexual Health Leave includes:

• flexible working arrangements- including the right to work from home

• the right to a comfortable working environment to alleviate symptoms or facilitate treatment

• the right to access up to 5 days leave per year in addition to any personal leave days.

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Appropriate evidence (eg. Doctor's Certificate) may be required.​

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WHAT TREATMENTS MAY BE COVERED BY REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING LEAVE?

A range of medical symptoms or challenges may qualify for Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Leave:

• Menstrual pain and discomfort

• Perimenopause and menopause

• Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, Endometriosis and other reproductive and endocrine health disorders

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and other forms of assisted reproductive health services and infertility treatments.

• Sperm and egg donations

• Vasectomy, hysterectomy and terminations.

• Social and medical gender transitioning therapies, including sex and gender hormone therapy and reassignment surgery.   

WHO CAN ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING LEAVE?

Reproductive Health and Wellbeing Leave will give ALL workers peace of mind in the knowledge that your workplace supports you.