Workplace Factors Influence Decision-making Regarding Parenting

Commenting on the recently published findings on the poll conducted by Red C and the Irish Examiner, Ms Caroline Spillane, Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, said “It is interesting to note that a career is seen as the largest obstacle to having children nowadays in Ireland, according to this recent Red C poll. Given womens increasing role in the labour force, this needs to move up the business agenda. All the research indicates that the services and supports facilitated by the workplace are required not just by pregnant women in general, but most of all by those women facing crisis pregnancy.”

Ms. Caroline Spillane, Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA), stressed that women and companies need to think more about their workplace policy and culture around this area. “Our research indicates that there are strong linkages between parenting, pregnancy decision-making and the workplace. The issue of quality childcare is of huge significance to parents and the wider workplace. Workers need to be supported to allow them to combine employment with family and personal commitments; this is what underpins work-life balance. This is an issue that affects workers across the full gamut of socio-economic groups and business sectors.”

1 in 5 women between the ages of 25-34 have experienced a crisis pregnancy. The average age for a crisis pregnancy is 23 for women and 25 for men, with 81 per cent of these likely to be in employment. When women are faced with a crisis pregnancy, their decisions about whether to continue with the pregnancy and whether to continue in work if they decide to become parents are significantly influenced by workplace policy and culture, Ms Spillane said.

The CPA has recently published a Research summary on Crisis Pregnancy, Parenting and Employment Policy that will be of assistance to employers, employees, policy makers, HR managers and representative bodies. Copies can be ordered by emailing the CPA at info@crisispregnancy.ie, or to download a copy, click here.

ENDS//

For further information, contact:
Enda Saul, Programmes and Communications Manager, Crisis Pregnancy Agency,
M: (085) 717 2008 T: 01 814 6292