Miscarriage Association advocates for bereavement leave reform at UK Parliament

Today, Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of the Miscarriage Association, appeared before the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee to support the extension of bereavement leave to women and their partners experiencing miscarriage.     

The Commons select committee is examining the case for extending eligibility for parental bereavement leave to include those who suffer a miscarriage or pregnancy loss before 24 weeks’ gestation.  

Currently, statutory bereavement leave applies only to loss after 24 weeks of pregnancy and women are entitled to take only sick leave, which can be paid or unpaid. Partners have no legal rights to leave at all.  

Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association CEO, said: 

“Today marks a significant step in advocating for those who experience pregnancy loss, recognising that grief doesn’t begin at 24 weeks. For many, if not most, a miscarriage represents the loss of a baby, no matter how early it happens.  

“It’s vital that legislation acknowledges the emotional and physical heartache of miscarriage, granting affected individuals the appropriate time off to start to grieve and heal.” 

Alongside Vicki, the committee heard from Munira Oza, CEO of the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and Dr Jessica Farren, a Consultant Gynaecologist and specialist in pregnancy loss trauma, as part of their inquiry into workplace equality and support during pregnancy loss. 

The committee also consulted HR professionals, trade unions, and employers to explore the potential benefits and practicalities of broadening bereavement leave policies. This one-off evidence session reflects growing recognition of the need for workplace reforms that reflect the realities of pregnancy loss and its impact on employees and their families. 

Earlier this week, the MA put together a panel of people with lived experience of miscarriage to share their workplace stories with the committee. Most of the women had good workplace support, but they told of being uncertain of their rights which added to the stress and confusion they were already experiencing. Some said they felt unable to take the time off they needed, and more than one woman told the committee how they underwent invasive medical procedures alone as their partner wasn’t able to leave work.  

The Miscarriage Association has long been an advocate of compassionate policies that support physical and emotional well-being and reduce stigma in the workplace.  

For further information about workplace support and training, visit https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/miscarriage-and-the-workplace/