It's For Every Body

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It’s for Every Body is a campaign led by union members to win paid reproductive health leave for all working Australians.

Everybody, at every stage of their working life, may need time to address symptoms and issues arising from their reproductive health, such as menstruation, endometriosis, menopause, fertility, and prostate treatment, to name a few.

It’s time all workers across Australia have access to ten days of paid leave to manage their reproductive health.

Paid leave will help address the gender pay gap, reduce reproductive health stigmas, support workers’ health and wellbeing and create more inclusive workplaces.

Reproductive health leave

Join the campaign calling for reproductive health leave to be added to the National Employment Standards.

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Did you know…

$60k

The average amount of super that women miss out on due to early retirement because of menopause

1 in 7

Australian women suffer from endometriosis

1 in 6

Australian couples experience fertility issues

1 in 18

Babies are born via IVF treatment

1 in 6

Men are affected by prostate cancer

About It’s For Every Body

It’s for Every Body is a campaign led by union members to win paid reproductive health leave for all working Australians.

What is reproductive health leave?

Reproductive health leave is an entitlement that allows all workers to take time off to manage their reproductive health, including attending preventative screening appointments. It covers a range of issues including:

menopause and perimenopause
menstruation
fertility treatments
pregnancy
contraception
vasectomy
miscarriage
termination
poly-cystic ovarian syndrome
endometriosis
hormone therapy
hysterectomy
screenings for breast and prostate cancer

Why do we need reproductive health leave?

Millions of Australian women are impacted by chronic reproductive health conditions, with the economic cost of absenteeism (being unable to work), presenteeism (being at work but not able to function as normal), reduced workforce participation and early retirement, estimated to be several billion dollars.

ABS data shows that 26% of working women retire under the age of 55 – and, on average, women are retiring seven years before men, and 12 years before their desired age of retirement.

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees estimates that menopause may cost women aged 50-54 more than $15 billion per year in lost earnings and superannuation for every year of early retirement.

To help address the gender pay gap, reduce reproductive health stigma, support workers’ health and wellbeing and create more inclusive workplaces across the country; workers need access to paid reproductive health leave.

What does the research say?

The impact of reproductive health issues on the Australian workforce – and workers’ health and wellbeing – has long been overlooked. In addition to causing serious physical and mental pain and logistical difficulties, there is an ignorance, isolation and stigma around reproductive health issues that cause workers to suffer in silence, which is linked to high rates of missed work and work opportunities. Impacts from delays in diagnosis can result in significant health implications for both men and women.

Suffering in Silence: making the case for reproductive leave in Australia | The McKell Institute, 2024

The costs and benefits of implementing a universal reproductive health leave entitlement in Australia | Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, 2025

Breaking taboos: menopause and menstrual leave policy framework | Financial Services Union, 2024

What would it mean for workers?

Dimity's Story

"Pregnancy after loss is it's own unique, horrifying beast in itself emotionally, but logistically and medically, it's like a full time job. Having access to paid reproductive health leave would have made my second pregnancy significantly less stressful."

Emily's Story

"Having access to 10 days paid leave would mean I know that having my reproductive issue of endometriosis is supported by my employer. Having that dedicated time to look after my health would make a huge difference to me as a teacher."

Rina's Story

"When you hit menopause, it's like a warehouse full of fireworks – usually you only get one bunch of fireworks and you let it off every month; but when menopause hits you, the whole factory starts going."

The campaign so far

Union members have been fighting for reproductive health leave for nearly a decade, winning these rights in workplaces across the country, from community services, financial services, not-for-profit, and public service. And the momentum is building!

Now, union members and activists from all industries are campaigning to win these rights in more workplace agreements, and raising awareness and support to include 10 days paid reproductive leave in the National Employment Standards so that ALL workers can access it.