My daughter was a stillborn, and my employer denied me paid leave to recover. Now I work to help others going through the same.

Courtesy of Liz O'Donnell

• Liz O'Donnell is a 32-year-old who experienced the stillbirth of her daughter, Aaliyah, in 2020.
• Her employer denied her paid leave for her recovery.
• She's now supporting others like her through her nonprofit, Aaliyah in Action.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Liz O'Donnell. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I hadn't expected to get pregnant, but in June 2020, my partner and I found out I was expecting.