Tester Introduces Bill to Allow Families Time Off to Mourn the Death of a Child

Senator’s Parental Bereavement Act would amend FMLA to allow job-protected time off following the death of a child

U.S. Senator Jon Tester is introducing legislation that would give families grieving the death of a child job-protected time off to mourn.

Tester’s Parental Bereavement Act would amend the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to ensure that the death of a child is treated like other life-altering events and give parents up to 12 weeks of unpaid, but job-protected, time off of work to cope with the death of a child.

“As a parent I know that few things are as terrifying as the thought of losing a child – and families who experience this terrible tragedy shouldn’t have to worry about losing their jobs as well,” Tester said. “This bill will give families time they need to cope with the death of a child, and give folks peace of mind that their job will still be there waiting for them while they recover.”

FMLA currently allows parents to take extended leave for the birth of a child, adoption, and to care for family members with serious health conditions. Tester’s bill ensures that death of a child is treated like these other life-altering events.

Text of Tester’s Parental Bereavement Act is available HERE.