Under current UK legislation, statutory bereavement leave (two weeks for both parents) only applies after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Those who experience miscarriage or other pre-24-week losses are left to rely on sick leave or the goodwill of their employers. Partners are not entitled to any statutory leave, compounding the stigma of pregnancy loss and adding to the isolation felt by grieving families.
The Leave for Every Loss campaign comes in response to overwhelming public support for extending statuary bereavement leave. A new poll commissioned by the Miscarriage Association and conducted by Public First reveals:
- 9 in 10 (89%) respondents agree that the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy can be felt as a bereavement.
- 8 in 10 (79%) agree that bereavement leave for miscarriage should match the rights currently given to parents who lose a child or experience stillbirth after 24 weeks.
A Call for Change
The UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee (WEC), chaired by Sarah Owen MP, is currently examining the workplace impacts of early pregnancy loss. During a recent evidence session, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, the Miscarriage Association, Dr Jessica Farren, Consultant Gynaecologist and specialist in pregnancy loss trauma, and other experts presented compelling cases for extending statutory parental bereavement leave to cover pre-24-week losses.
The Leave for Every Loss campaign seeks to address the emotional, physical, and social toll of pregnancy loss and provide grieving families with the time and support they need to begin to heal. It also underscores the urgent need to destigmatise miscarriage and early pregnancy loss in workplaces and wider society.
While ectopic pregnancy involves the physical ordeal and recovery of the experience, there is also need to recognise the emotional toll it often takes. At The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, we understand how crucial it is for people to feel supported during these challenging times. We stand with the Miscarriage Association and all advocates of this campaign in calling for change to ensure leave rights for every loss.
Read more about the Miscarriage Association’s Leave for Every Loss campaign
