Reproductive health issues can affect anybody, at any stage of their working life.
Normal leave entitlements often aren’t enough, and people end up having to take unpaid leave, and jeopardising their jobs.
That isn’t fair. Which is why we’re campaigning for every worker to have the right to Reproductive Health Leave – this would be a hugely positive step in fostering a healthy and supportive workplace, for all.
Sign the petition to show your support for Reproductive Health Leave.
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We’re advocating for a minimum of 12 days paid leave for reproductive health issues, covering severe menstrual pain, vasectomies, menopause, gender transitioning therapies and more.
We’d also like to see flexible work arrangements and reasonable adjustments made available for all those experiencing reproductive health issues.
Some facts and figures:
Every year Australian businesses lose $21.3 billion because of lost productivity from workers having to manage reproductive health conditions.
12 days of paid RHL would cost an average of $3.6 billion to implement, but would save $1.88 billion for businesses directly.
The annual net cost of 12 days of RHL would be $1.7 billion, which is the equivalent of only $140 per year per employed worker.
Menstrual pain affects more than half of all working women, while endometriosis impacts 1 in 7, and 74% of women aged 45–55 report menopause symptoms, with 17% requiring extended leave.
Nine in 10 workers living with reproductive health conditions said RHL would improve their productivity, mental health, stress levels and workplace loyalty.
Workers often used sick leave or unpaid time off, with 44% taking unpaid leave when they had symptoms, not out of choice but from a lack of available leave options.
Source: Duncan, A., Hailemariam, A., Salazar, S., and Sotirakopoulos, P.
“The Cost and Benefits of Implementing a Universal Reproductive Health Leave Entitlement in Australia”
Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, 2025.