Children and happiness, Miscarriage leave, Extramarital pairings

This episode of Woman's Hour explores three interconnected themes: the emotional and societal implications of miscarriage, the complex relationship between parenthood and happiness, and the moral and psychological dimensions of extramarital relationships. The programme opens with a landmark development in Northern Ireland, where miscarriage leave—two weeks of paid time off for both women and their partners—has become law, marking a significant shift in workplace support for baby loss. Guests Niamh Campbell and Erin Sharkey discuss the political and personal significance of this change, emphasizing how it validates grief and breaks the silence around miscarriage. The conversation then shifts to a recent study showing no measurable increase in happiness among parents compared to non-parents, prompting a nuanced discussion with authors Ella Whelan and photographer Iko Haruna. They challenge the cultural myth that children are a source of happiness, arguing instead that parenting brings meaning, but also immense pressure, especially when expectations are inflated by modern 'intensive parenting' culture. The episode critiques the societal burden placed on children to fulfill parental emotional needs and advocates for a more balanced, joyful approach to raising kids. Finally, the programme features a discussion with author Sophie McIntosh about her new novel *Permanence*, a speculative story about adulterous couples who are whisked away to a secluded city to live out their affair in isolation. The book serves as a meditation on desire, yearning, and the fragility of love, highlighting how even paradise can be haunted by the compromises and harms inherent in relationships. Throughout, the episode underscores the importance of empathy, support systems, and redefining what it means to live a meaningful life—whether as a parent, a partner, or a person navigating loss and longing.