The government has confirmed that people affected by the loss of a pregnancy prior to 24 weeks’ gestation will be given the legal right to at least one week’s bereavement leave. Details and exact timeframe will be specified later this year following consultation and this step will be part of wider changes to employment rights.
Chief executive of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, Munira Oza, said:
“We welcome this announcement. It is meaningful action in recognising the impacts of pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks and allowing time to start the recovery process for those affected.”
Sarah Owen MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities (WEC) Select Committee, said:
“It is a bold and necessary move from this Government to see the UK become one of only a handful of countries in the world to recognise pregnancy loss as a bereavement and give workers the right to take time off to grieve.
“Nothing will ever take away the pain of losing a pregnancy, but this law change will provide workers with the security of time to grieve and help end the stigma of miscarriage for good.”
The role of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
The EPT has been honoured to work alongside The Miscarriage Association and supports the Leave for Every Loss Campaign for this change.
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust (EPT) contributed to the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) report calling for statutory bereavement leave for women and families who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks during the WEC hearing in November. Chief Executive, Munira Oza, highlighted the frequently significant physical and emotional toll of ectopic pregnancy loss, stressing the need for statutory leave to provide those affected with compassion and support. She also emphasised the importance of ensuring ectopic pregnancy is explicitly included in communications, recognising and validating the experiences of those affected by the condition.
You can read more on the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) report calling for statutory bereavement leave for women and families who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks here.
We will continue to work with the government to ensure the experiences of those experiencing ectopic pregnancy loss is included as the legislation progresses and extend our gratitude to everyone who has worked hard to make this change happen – within parliament, organisations, charities, and individuals.
Support for you
Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can bring a range of emotions and however you feel is completely valid. For many, there can be a deep sense of bereavement – whether from the loss of the pregnancy or a Fallopian tube or other personal aspects of their experience. For others however, it may not feel like a ‘bereavement’ or they may feel confused about their emotions or not use that word. It’s important to recognise and honour your feelings, whatever they may be. Our support services are here with a safe space should you need.
