Major push to grant Aussie workers extra 12-days paid leave per year: 'This is not sick leave'
Giving Australians 12-days of paid reproductive leave would help cushion the $21 billion per year productivity blow from workers pushing through, or taking leave, to deal with often unseen conditions. The Health Services Union (HSU) has renewed a push for universal reproductive health leave entitlement, which would cost $1.7 billion annually, or $140 per worker.
However, a report into the Costs and Benefits of Implementing a Universal Reproductive Health Leave Entitlement in Australia found the policy would improve mental health and workforce retention. The policy would largely benefit women, but would also cater to men undergoing vasectomies.
'Women represent half of our population, and for most, that comes with menstruation which can bring pain, as well as conditions like endometriosis, IVF, miscarriage, and menopause,' HSU national senior assistant secretary Kate Marshall said.RELATED
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'By rolling out a universal entitlement of 12 days a year, we will give all workers, particularly women, dignity and agency to be a part of a workforce that doesn't currently reflect our needs."
The 12 days would represent a day each month of the year.
But Marshall said: "This is not sick leave."
'Work can be extremely difficult when you are dealing with pain or reproductive conditions,' she said.
Nearly one million Australians live with endometriosis, a debilitating condition that has no cure.
Kellie Johnson was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in her twenties but has been living with menstrual pain since she first started getting her period.
The 41-year-old Central Coast resident told Yahoo Finance the pain was so severe that she would often throw up or lose consciousness.
Johnson said endometriosis had a huge impact on her career journey, admitting there was a time she 'never spoke' about what she was going through.
'At so many workplaces I've had, I've had to alter the way I work in some way just to try and survive,' she said.
'For example, I've had periods where my endo got really bad so I would be in hospital a lot, so I would take my laptop with me and work from hospital.
'You just worry that people will think that you're being lazy or that you're not taking your job seriously.'
Endometriosis Australia found many people were fearful of raising the issue in their workplace, with one in three passed over for a promotion due to their endometriosis, and one in six losing their jobs.
The group's research found endometriosis was costing the Australian economy $9.7 billion annually due to medical costs, absenteeism and presenteeism.
'I think when you feel like you're struggling with pain all the time, you almost feel like you have to work harder to try and prove yourself,' Johnson said.
The report, released yesterday, highlighted how prevalent the impact of reproductive illness was on the Australian workforce.
Menstrual pain affects more than 50 per cent of working women, and 74 per cent of women aged 45 to 55 reported menopause symptoms, with 17 per cent requiring extended leave.
Vasectomies and hysterectomies are also common, particularly for men and women aged 35 to 44 years.
Miscarriage affects up to one in three women, and 8 per cent of women aged 25–45 undergo IVF annually.
Workers surveyed for the report said they often used sick leave or unpaid time off, with 44 per cent taking unpaid leave when they had symptoms.
This was not out of choice but a lack of leave options.
"By rolling out a universal entitlement of 12 days a year, we will give all workers, particularly women, dignity and agency to be a part of a workforce that doesn't currently reflect our needs," Marshall said.
In 2024, the Queensland government introduced 10 days of paid reproductive leave for the state's public servants.
A concerning 68 per cent of those surveyed said they had not disclosed their condition to their manager.
HSU national secretary Lloyd Williams said reproductive needs were still "highly stigmatised".
"Workers fear discrimination for taking leave for anything relating to their reproductive organs," Williams said.
"That shouldn't be the culture we accept."
12 days of paid Reproductive Health Leave (RHL) would cost an average of $3.6 billion to implement, but would save $1.88 billion for businesses directly.
These implementation costs are small in comparison to the annual $21.3 billion cost to businesses of lost productivity from workers having to manage reproductive health conditions.Sign in to access your portfolio
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Key players like Johnson & Johnson and Establishment Labs are driving innovation with FDA-approved products. Silicone implants lead the market due to their natural feel. North America dominates in market share, fueled by high awareness and cosmetic spending. Innovative trends like 3D printing are reshaping the industry. Breast Implants Market Dublin, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Breast Implants Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030" report has been added to Breast Implants Market was valued at USD 2.98 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 4.60 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 7.5%. The global breast implants market is set to grow due to the growing popularity of anatomical breast implants and generation-to-generation development in breast implants. KEY TAKEAWAYS By Product: The silicone breast implants segment holds the largest market share, as they are highly popular for offering a natural look and feel while maintaining shape even if ruptured. By Shape: The round shape segment shows the highest of 7.70%, as they are the most preferred breast implant shape category because they offer a fuller size across the breast area and limit the rotation of implants. By Surface: In 2024, the smooth surface segment accounted for the largest market share. Smooth surface breast implants are widely used for their natural feel and movement, enhancing effectiveness and reducing the need for repeat surgeries. By Application: The breast augmentation segment accounted for the largest market share. Breast augmentation is a top cosmetic surgery worldwide, with rising demand due to cosmetic and medical needs. By End-User: The cosmetology clinics segment holds the second largest market share of over 34%, driven by specialized, well-trained, well-experienced, and experienced plastic surgeons who regularly perform breast implant procedures in cosmetology clinics. By Geography: North America dominates the global breast implants market, with over 24% share. North America's breast implant market is growing steadily due to rising awareness, high beauty care spending, and interest in advanced procedures. BREAST IMPLANTS MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rapid Development in Breast Implants with 3D Printing TechnologyThe breast implant industry is rapidly evolving with advancements in development and manufacturing technologies that create significant demand for breast implants. Of such one major development is the incorporation of 3D development technologies in the manufacturing and development of breast implants. It was started in the last decade when first-in-human clinical trials of 3D-printed breast implants (2019) were started in Germany, and now it is widespread across the global market. These 3D printing and development technologies offer the highest level of customization that attracts a significant consumer base. BellaSeno is one of the German companies that uses Evonik's Resomer polymer in its Senella breast implant (3D-printed) breast scaffold products. The polymer allows the scaffold to be absorbed in the body at a rate that matches the patient's Popularity of Anatomical Breast ImplantsRound shape breast implants are considered the gold standard for breast augmentation and reconstruction; however, in recent years, the development of anatomical implants has become an exciting trend in the industry. It involves the application of custom-molded implants that are designed and developed to mimic the shape and give a natural feel. Where anatomical breast implants become an ideal choice for women who are seeking to achieve a balanced look with a natural shape. Anatomical breast implants also known as tear-drop breast implants now commonly referred to as contour profile or shaped breast implants. These implants are filled with gel which gives a more natural feel and comfort making them the most popular choice among youngsters. These increasing applications in breast enlargement to breast implant exchange become popular for patients undergoing revision breast surgery, such as those patients who demand poly implant prostheses (PIP) implant Development in Breast ImplantsThe world of breast implants has witnessed significant and continued developments. Fourth and fifth-generation breast implants revolutionized the breast implant industry. In these generations, significant changes were noticed related to silicone gel cohesivity. In 4th and 5th generation breast implants, the shell of implants was further strengthened, and cohesive versions of silicone gel were used to significantly minimize complications related to gel leakage. In 5th-generation implants, they come up with highly form-stable gel that characterizes gummy bear implants. In addition, Establishment Lab - one of the key companies in the market came up with 6th generation breast implant. The company focused on a patient-centric approach in incorporating and developing revolutionary techniques in its Motiva product to enhance both safety and aesthetic outcomes- MOTIVA IMPLANTS. It is a first-of-their-kind feature that significantly revolutionizes the Volume of Breast Enhancement ProceduresWorldwide, with the widespread of cosmetology and medical aesthetic procedures, breast augmentation procedures become the second leading surgical cosmetic procedure. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) report 2024, more than 1.89 million breast augmentation procedures performed across the world contribute to significant demand for breast implants. Furthermore, the ISAPS article 2024 revealed that more than 4.1 million breast procedures were reported across the world. Of these, over 1.89 million surgical breast augmentation, around 903,266 breast lifts, approx. 686,000 breast reduction, and 335,939 breast implant removal procedures reported across the world. It indicates that the demand for breast surgeries is significantly high across the BREAST IMPLANTS MARKET SEGMENT INSIGHTS Key Market Segments Product: Silicone breast implants control the largest share, emphasizing their popularity for a natural appearance. Shape: Round shapes lead with a 7.70% growth rate, preferred for full-size enhancement and reduced implant rotation. Surface: Smooth surface implants dominate due to their natural feel and reduced need for replacements. Application: Breast augmentation claims the largest application share, fueled by rising cosmetic and medical demands. Geography: North America holds a dominant market share, driven by elevated awareness and advanced procedural needs. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPEThe global breast implants market report consists of exclusive data on 13 vendors. AbbVie, Establishment Labs, Johnson & Johnson (MENTOR), GC Aesthetics, POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics, and Tiger Biosciences are among the leading companies holding a significant market share in the global breast implants market. These vendors offer high-quality and advanced breast implant solutions that meet customer demands and comply with regulatory standards. Major players are continuously enhancing the efficiency of their products and strengthening their market positions. They benefit from strong brand recognition and a broad geographical presence across global markets. Furthermore, the adoption of various strategic initiatives, such as product launches and the development of new products with advanced technologies and materials, has intensified market competition. By focusing on innovation and expanding their capabilities, these companies have successfully increased their revenue share and maintained a competitive edge in the breast implants Strategic Approaches to Strengthen Sales Ratios In 2025, Establishment Labs developed and launched Preserve, a minimally invasive breast tissue preserving technology for breast augmentation, mastopexy augmentation, and revision augmentation procedures. In 2024, the company established a manufacturing and corporate office in Costa Rica to increase the manufacturing capacity of breast implants and other products, which will create revenue growth opportunities. In 2024, Stratasys and CollPlant announced a collaboration to conduct a pre-clinical study for advanced and unique regenerative commercial-sized breast implants. With this collaboration, the companies reported that technology innovations will address around a $3 billion market opportunity in the future. In 2023, AbbVis' Allergen Aesthetics launched the Natrelle Campaign, which will promote and create awareness about the company's breast implant solutions with a higher level of customization. In 2023, Establishment Labs Holding announced the launch of Mia Femtech, a company that offers minimally invasive breast augmentation procedures in Japan to establish a new beginning in breast aesthetics. This expansion will deliver significant brand awareness about its breast implant solution in the Asian market. Key Vendors AbbVie Establishment Labs Johnson & Johnson (MENTOR) GC Aesthetics POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics Tiger Biosciences Other Prominent Vendors Bimini Health Tech Hans Biomed Guangzhou Wanhe Plastic Material Co., Ltd G.A.L.S. Private Limited Laboratoires Arion Sebbin Silimed Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 136 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.98 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $4.6 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.5% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1: Scope & Coverage: Breast Implants Market Overview Chapter 2: Breast Implants Market Premium Insights Key Highlights Regional Insights Chapter 3: Breast Implants Market Prospects & Opportunities Chapter 4: Breast Implants Market Industry Overview Projected Revenue of Breast Implants Market (2021-2030; $ Billions) Chapter 5: Breast Implants Market Segmentation Data Projected Revenue by Product (2021-2030; $ Billions) Silicone Saline Projected Revenue by Shape (2021-2030; $ Billions) Round Anatomical Projected Revenue by Surface (2021-2030; $ Billions) Smooth Textured Projected Revenue by Application (2021-2030; $ Billions) Breast Augmentation Breast Reconstruction Projected Revenue by End-user (2021-2030; $ Billions) Hospital Cosmetology Clinics Other End-user Chapter 6: Key Regions Overview Projected Revenue of Breast Implants Market (2021-2030; $ Billions) North America Europe Latin America APAC Middle East & Africa Chapter 7: Competitive Landscape of Breast Implants Market Competitive Landscape Key Vendor Profiles Other Prominent Vendors Key Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Breast Implants Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
