Austria plans legal protection for mothers after abortion
Austrian Family Minister Claudia Plakolm announced plans to introduce legal protection for mothers who undergo abortions, in a move that marks a significant shift in family policy in Austria. This announcement came after the Sternchenmamas association sent an open letter to the federal government on Star Children Day, demanding stronger legal and emotional support for parents who lose their children during pregnancy.
The main demand of the association is to start maternity protection after the thirteenth week of pregnancy — a practice already in place in Germany. Currently, Austrian law does not guarantee maternity leave or protection from dismissal in the case of miscarriage, leaving many parents without time or resources to grieve and recover.
Minister Blakoulm from the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) publicly affirmed her support for the proposal, describing it as a matter of profound humanitarian and personal importance. She stated, "The loss of a child is still a taboo subject in our society. I thank the mothers and fathers who break the silence, and I believe it is my duty as Minister for Family Affairs to ensure they receive legal support and protection after this painful experience." She added that there is a "clear need for action" in Austria to fill this legislative gap.
The project proposes that maternity leave be an optional choice, not mandatory. Under the plan, parents can choose to take protected leave after a miscarriage or to forgo it if they wish to return to work quickly — for example, if the pregnancy had not been announced in the workplace. This flexible system aims to respect the circumstances of each individual case while ensuring basic protection.
While the Blackholm Ministry oversees financial aspects such as maternity benefits, labor laws and health regulations fall under the jurisdiction of other ministries. The minister stated, "I will begin discussions with my colleagues in the federal government on this matter." If this proposal is implemented, Austria will become one of the European countries that recognize the psychological and physical impact of miscarriage — giving parents the time and dignity to recover.