In a world where common sense often seems in short supply, Senator Tom Cotton introduces a bill that might just bring some much-needed sanity to federal family leave policies.
At a Glance
- Senator Tom Cotton proposes the HEALING Act for grieving parents.
- The bill provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for miscarriage or stillbirth.
- It includes a refundable tax credit for parents experiencing stillbirth.
- The bill excludes abortion-related losses, sparking potential debate.
HEALING Act: A Step Toward Supporting Grieving Families
Senator Tom Cotton has introduced the “Helping with Equal Access to Leave and Investing in Needs for Grieving Mothers and Fathers Act” (HEALING Act) in an effort to address a glaring gap in federal family leave policies. The proposed legislation aims to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to include up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for parents going through the gut-wrenching loss of a miscarriage or stillbirth. It also offers a refundable tax credit for parents who experience a stillbirth, providing some financial relief during these devastating times.
Nothing can replace the loss of a newborn child, but this legislation will make sure parents have time and resources to begin the recovery process. https://t.co/7OVPpSU0qP
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) July 23, 2025
The HEALING Act is modeled after Arkansas’s Paisley’s Law, passed in 2021, and serves as a federal recognition of the emotional and physical toll these losses take on families. By excluding abortion-related losses, the bill aligns with conservative values while potentially sparking debate among reproductive rights advocates.
The Advocates and Their Motivations
Leading the charge for this compassionate legislation is Senator Tom Cotton, alongside co-sponsors Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Kevin Cramer. These lawmakers are emphasizing the need for formal acknowledgment of parental grief and the importance of providing tangible support to families in their darkest hours. For these sponsors, the HEALING Act is about more than just policy; it’s about aligning with pro-family values and supporting the core of our society—families.
Affected families, particularly those without existing workplace protections or financial support, stand to benefit significantly from this legislation. Advocacy groups focused on maternal health and bereavement have shown interest in the bill, though opinions may vary based on its scope and exclusions.
A Legislative Journey Begins
Introduced in the U.S. Senate on July 23, 2025, the HEALING Act is now under consideration by the appropriate Senate committee. Whether it will move forward swiftly or face hurdles along the way remains to be seen. As of July 24, 2025, no votes or committee actions have been reported. The legislative process is often a marathon, not a sprint, and this bill’s journey will be closely watched by many.
Senator Cotton’s recent statements underscore the bill’s intent: “This bill will make sure families receive the resources they need to help recover from the unexpected loss of a child… parents have time to begin the recovery process.” Meanwhile, Senator Hyde-Smith echoes these sentiments, highlighting the devastating impact of losing a child and the necessity for time to grieve.
