The loss of a pregnancy is an incredibly painful and distressing experience. Yet, for too long, parents experiencing miscarriage have had to endure their grief in silence, often returning to work while still coping with deep emotional and physical pain. The recent commitment by the UK Government to extend bereavement leave to include miscarriage is a landmark decision that recognises the significance of pregnancy loss and provides essential support to families when they need it most.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT), alongside The Miscarriage Association and other campaigners, has long advocated for better support for parents facing this devastating experience. In response to the Government’s announcement, Angela McConville, Chief Executive of NCT, stated:
“Too many women, new parents and families experience the devastating impact of pregnancy loss in silence, without the support they need.”
“The inclusion of bereavement leave for miscarriage in the Employment Rights Bill is a vital step in ensuring parents have the time and space to grieve without the added pressures of work.”
This important change signals a growing awareness of the emotional toll of miscarriage and the need for workplace policies that acknowledge and support families through such challenging times.
The Reality of Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage is more common than many people realise. It is estimated that one in four pregnancies ends in loss, affecting hundreds of thousands of parents in the UK each year. Despite this, pregnancy loss is often surrounded by silence and stigma, leaving many to grieve alone.
For those who experience miscarriage, the impact can be profound. Emotionally, it can bring deep sorrow, guilt, and a sense of emptiness. Physically, it can involve medical procedures, discomfort, and a recovery period that varies for each individual. When parents are expected to return to work immediately, it can add to their distress, forcing them to suppress their grief and function as if nothing has happened.
Until now, UK employment law has not recognised miscarriage as a reason for statutory bereavement leave. This has left many parents with little choice but to use sick leave, annual leave, or unpaid time off to cope with their loss. In contrast, bereavement leave has been available for parents who lose a child after 24 weeks of pregnancy. While this provision is crucial, it has meant that those who experience earlier losses have often been left without the same legal protections.
The Government’s decision to include miscarriage in bereavement leave rights marks a significant step in addressing this gap. It acknowledges that pregnancy loss at any stage is a bereavement, and those affected deserve the time and space to grieve.
A Step Towards Compassionate Workplaces
One of the most significant impacts of this policy change will be in the workplace. Many employees who experience miscarriage have felt forced to return to work before they are ready, fearing stigma or a lack of understanding from employers. Others have struggled in silence, finding it difficult to focus while carrying the weight of their grief.
The introduction of bereavement leave for miscarriage ensures that parents no longer have to choose between their jobs and their well-being. It provides a clear, statutory right to take time off, reducing the burden on employees to justify their need for leave.
This change also sends a powerful message to employers: pregnancy loss is a serious and significant life event that deserves recognition and support. It encourages workplaces to foster a culture of compassion, where employees feel safe to talk about their experiences without fear of judgement or negative consequences for their careers.
By implementing this right effectively, employers can play a crucial role in supporting their staff through pregnancy loss. This includes not only granting bereavement leave but also ensuring that managers are trained to respond with empathy, providing access to counselling or employee assistance programmes, and offering flexible working arrangements for those who need additional time to recover.
NCT’s Ongoing Commitment to Supporting Parents
As the UK’s leading charity for parents, NCT has long advocated for better care and support for those experiencing pregnancy loss. Angela McConville reaffirmed this commitment, stating:
“At NCT we remain committed to advocating for better care and support for parents during the most challenging moments of their pregnancy and parenting journeys. We look forward to working with policymakers and partner organisations to ensure this new right is implemented effectively and that no parent has to navigate loss and bereavement alone.”
NCT has worked closely with The Miscarriage Association to support this important campaign, and this milestone reflects the power of advocacy in driving positive change. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that bereavement leave for miscarriage is implemented effectively and reaches all those who need it.
Breaking the Silence Around Pregnancy Loss
Beyond the workplace, this policy change is a step towards breaking the silence around miscarriage. For too long, pregnancy loss has been a topic that many find difficult to talk about, leaving those who experience it feeling isolated and unsupported. By recognising miscarriage as a form of bereavement, this change helps to validate the grief of parents and encourages open conversations about loss.
It also highlights the importance of wider support systems, including access to mental health services, peer support groups, and compassionate medical care. Bereavement leave is just one piece of the puzzle – society as a whole must continue working to ensure that no parent feels alone in their grief.
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