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AUSTIN, TEXAS - June 14, 2023: Elena Andres was denied paid parental leave by her employer, the city of Austin, after delivering her full-term stillborn baby six weeks ago. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune

After an Austin employee gave birth to a stillborn baby, she was disqualified from parental leave. Now, city leaders want change.

Two days after delivering a stillborn baby, an Austin Public Health employee was notified she would not qualify for the city’s eight weeks of paid parental leave.


AUSTIN, TEXAS - June 14, 2023: Elena Andres holds the urn she made for her daughter, who was born full-term, but without a heartbeat six weeks ago. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune

Preparing for paid leave

Haggling with HR

AUSTIN, TEXAS - June 14, 2023: Flowers on Elena Andres’ kitchen table that she bought to try and cheer herself up after losing her daughter. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune
AUSTIN, TEXAS - June 14, 2023: Elena Andres holds a box given to her by the hospital after she delivered her stillborn daughter. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune
AUSTIN, TEXAS - June 14, 2023: Elena Andres holds a dress she had bought for her daughter, who was stillborn. Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune

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