JEFFREY COLLINS

Associated Press

COLUMBIA — South Carolina's law allowing for family leave after the birth of a child should also provide at least six weeks of paid time off when a baby is stillborn, according to an opinion from the state's top lawyers.

After lawmakers approved the paid leave for teachers and other school district workers as well as other state employees in 2023, lead sponsor Republican Rep. Neal Collins said he heard of at least three school districts that refused to let teachers have paid time off after their baby died during childbirth.

"Even though their child was stillborn, these parents went through the birthing process, a major medical event. They need their promised paid parental leave benefits to best recover from their tragic loss and suffering," Collins wrot

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