A miscarriage policy
A policy (or guidance note) can formalise existing practice and ensure there is consistency when staff members change. It can help make miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy less taboo and ensure people feel more able to ask for support.
Do we need a pregnancy loss policy or guidance document?
Managers and employees have told us they feel more comfortable when their rights and responsibilities are clear.
Katie Lee, former CEO of advertising agency Lucky Generals, explains why a miscarriage policy was important to them.
The policy could be part of a larger document on pregnancy loss including miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancy, and also termination for medical reasons, embryo transfer loss and stillbirth. Be aware that the legal situation for a loss before and after 24 weeks is quite different. Maternity Action has more information.
Not everyone will want to talk about their experiences or feel that they need help. What we want people to know is that if and when they are ready for it there is always help and support available for all staff.
A policy template
To help employers in the creation of a Miscarriage policy, we have supplied a downloadable template here. It is intended to be a guide only and will need adapting in line with an organisation’s existing policies. It is to be read in conjunction with the notes provided below.
You might also like to see other policies which have been developed by other organisations and companies.
The Co-op’s policy was drafted in partnership with the M.A. and has been made publicly available, with other employers able to use as much or as little of it as they wish. You can read more about how they went about creating a policy and guidance, here. Channel 4 has also published its policy.
You can view our employer case studies here are also welcome to contact us if you’d like to talk more about our information and guidance, how to create a supportive environment or potentially how to set up a policy in your workplace – or if you’d like to find out more about having a learning or information session for staff.
What should a miscarriage policy contain?
A topline or footnote with a warning that the document contains topics and issues that some readers may find difficult or upsetting.
The purpose of the document and why it’s important. You may want to explain that it provides information on relevant policies and how to offer support. Include more information on the types of loss included in the policy (or links to further information).
Information on how managers can offer practical and emotional support during and after a loss. Our information for managers may help.
Managers’ responsibilities when it comes to practical support.
You may also want to link to other relevant policies – for example, your sickness absence, compassionate or special leave, or maternity policy.
Things to consider:
- Leave and recording absence (please note this is very different for losses before and after 24 weeks). You may want to include your organisation’s legal responsibilities but also any additional support your organisation will offer (for example, they may be prepared to offer paid leave for a longer period rather than expecting employees to rely on SSP). Some companies offer paid bereavement leave for employees after pregnancy loss (see here, for example) and you might want to consider this.
- Confidentiality and talking about a loss within the team/wider organisation.
- Returning to work – how to support an employee returning to work and what reasonable adjustments may be appropriate at this point and in the longer term.
- Paid leave for medical appointments – and any additional support your organisation can offer when it comes to follow-up medical appointments or fertility treatment.
Links to other support your workplace can provide for both employees and managers – for example, Occupational Health, Wellness Action Plans or an Employer Assistance Programme (EAP).
Links to external support – The Miscarriage Association, the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, ARC (regarding termination for medical reasons) and SANDS (regarding stillbirth or neonatal death).
Should we suggest an amount of time it is appropriate to have off?
Women have told us that they felt unsure about how much time it is appropriate to have off work. Some feel they ‘should’ be returning to work before they are ready.
Some organisations have created policies that specify a time with a suggestion/requirement to discuss with your manager if further time off is needed.
This takes the pressure off for that initial period, but it is important that managers understand the need to be flexible and responsive to individual needs.
Wellness Action Plans
Wellness Action Plans were created to help organisations support and manage employees’ wellbeing. They are based on Wellness Recovery Action Plans (an evidence-based tool to support mental health) and may provide a helpful structure for managers and employees discussing support needs.
How can I encourage senior management to support the creation of a miscarriage policy?
These are some things people have found helpful.
Talk to your manager, HR or others in your team/organisation who might be interested.
Set up a working group.
Getting buy-in/support from a senior manager will make it easier
Show them examples of other organisations that have done the same thing. Show them the case studies of people who set up policies or guidance here and here.
Provide examples of policies themselves or suggestions as to how the information could fit into an existing policy.
Larger organisations may have networks or groups you could approach – for example, a mental health working group, a fertility support group or a women’s network.
Consult with staff – but be aware that not all staff may wish to be involved or even reminded of a loss.
Offer an information and discussion session – contact us at the Miscarriage Association about the option of an online presentation and discussion for managers and/or staff.
