Time to Grieve: The Case for Statutory Miscarriage Bereavement Leave

"New employment laws must include bereavement leave for those who miscarry during pregnancy, a new report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has said..."

The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has recently emphasised the pressing need for statutory miscarriage bereavement leave in the UK. Currently, statutory bereavement leave is granted only for pregnancy losses occurring after 24 weeks, leaving those who experience miscarriage earlier without legal entitlement to this compassionate leave. This gap in legislation fails to acknowledge the profound grief and emotional turmoil that can accompany any pregnancy loss, regardless of gestational age.

In November 2024, the WEC convened to examine the workplace impacts of miscarriage and early pregnancy losses, such as ectopic and molar pregnancies. The committee heard compelling evidence from medical professionals, charity representatives, and HR experts, all advocating for the extension of statutory bereavement leave to cover all pregnancy losses. Dr. Jessica Farren, a Consultant Gynaecologist at University College London Hospitals, highlighted the significant emotional and physical toll of miscarriage, underscoring the necessity for adequate time to grieve and recover.

Supporting this call for change, the Miscarriage Association launched the "Leave for Every Loss" campaign, advocating for legal rights to bereavement leave for women and their partners experiencing pre-24-week pregnancy loss. Their campaign is bolstered by a nationally representative poll indicating that 89% of respondents agree that the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy can be felt as a bereavement, and 79% believe that bereavement leave for miscarriage should match the rights currently given to parents who lose a child or experience stillbirth. (UK Parliament, 2025).

Trailblazing organisations, including NHS England, have already implemented policies offering paid leave for pregnancy loss. Thomas Simons, Chief Human Resources and Operational Development Officer at NHS England, noted that providing such leave has negligible financial impact while offering substantial benefits in terms of staff well-being and retention.

The Mortality Alliance stands in solidarity with the WEC and the Miscarriage Association in urging the UK government to amend the Employment Rights Bill to include statutory bereavement leave for all pregnancy losses. Recognising the profound grief associated with miscarriage and providing adequate time to mourn is not only compassionate but also essential for the mental and emotional well-being of those affected.

We call upon policymakers to act swiftly in addressing this legislative gap, ensuring that all individuals experiencing pregnancy loss receive the support and time they need to heal.

 

Miscarriage Support Services

Aching Arms

4 Louis

Hana's Gift

Miscarriage Association

Petals Charity

SANDS

Saying Goodbye

Bluebell Foundation

Lily Mae Foundation