The Coalition's stance on employer-paid parental leave for mothers of stillborn babies has sparked a heated debate, with some colleagues criticizing it as insensitive. The issue came to a head when MPs questioned the eligibility of mothers who have late-term abortions, despite the Coalition's initial support for the new law. This led to a divide within the opposition, with former frontbencher Jane Hume condemning the MPs' decision to question eligibility in parliament. The controversy escalated when Coalition senators voted for a One Nation amendment to explicitly exclude mothers whose child was stillborn after an 'intentional termination', further highlighting the differing opinions within the party. The bill's namesake, Priya, whose mother's parental leave was canceled after her premature birth, expressed the emotional impact of the debate on her family. The bill's supporters argue that it provides support for women through tragic events, while critics question the sensitivity of applying the bill to other contexts, especially those involving late-term abortions. The debate has raised important questions about the balance between personal opinions and legislative support, with some MPs questioning the judgment of colleagues like Andrew Hastie, who raised reservations about the bill's unintended consequences. The controversy has also sparked discussions about the role of conscience in parliament and the potential implications for leadership aspirations.
