New law to give bereavement leave for early miscarriage: ‘You’re not ill – you’ve lost a child’
Parents who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks will soon be entitled to time off to grieve
In a major step forward for miscarriage awareness, the government has confirmed that bereavement leave will be extended to cover pregnancy loss at any stage – including before the current 24-week threshold.
Under changes to the Employment Rights Bill, parents who experience miscarriage will gain the legal right to take time off work to grieve – a move campaigners are calling “long overdue”.
The current rules – and what’s changing
At present, UK law only grants bereavement leave to parents who lose a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy – or if a child under 18 dies.
For losses before 24 weeks, there is no specific legal protection, meaning many parents have to rely on sick leave, annual leave, or return to work while still in shock.
That’s set to change. The new law will introduce at least one week’s statutory bereavement leave for parents following early miscarriage – with final details, including how long leave will last and what proof might be needed, to be confirmed after a public consultation.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the change would allow parents to take “time away from work to grieve”, adding: “No one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready.”
'You’re not ill, you’ve lost a child'
The emotional impact of miscarriage can be devastating – yet it’s often hidden or dismissed. That’s something broadcaster and miscarriage awareness campaigner Myleene Klass is determined to change.
Reacting to the law, Klass said: “You're not ill, you've lost a child – there's a death in the family. It's a taboo – nobody wants to talk about dead babies – but you have to actually say it as it is. To lose a child is harrowing, it's traumatic.”
She called the change a “marker for all the families who have been ignored”, revealing how her own loss brought out “deep dark secrets” from loved ones who had never spoken about their miscarriages.
Why this matters for working mums – and their partners
Sarah Owen MP, who chairs the Women and Equalities Committee, told BBC Radio 4 that the legal gap left many women without protection or recognition.
“Women were entitled to absolutely nothing, aside from maybe sick leave,” she said. “We know so many women just will not take it, and it also enforces the feeling that there's something wrong with you.”
Owen, who has spoken openly about her own miscarriage, added: “Nobody says 'get well soon' once you've had a miscarriage – they say 'I'm really sorry for your loss'. It's fantastic to see the law catch up with this.”
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the Miscarriage Association, said the new law acknowledges the “emotional element” of pregnancy loss, calling it “really anxiety-inducing” for grieving parents to return to work without any formal support.
“For partners at the moment, there is absolutely nothing,” she said. “This will help protect the right for people to take time off work without penalty or punishment.”
It’s common – but still not commonly supported
Around 250,000 pregnancies end in miscarriage each year in the UK, with most occurring before 12 weeks, according to pregnancy charity Tommy’s.
Yet despite how common miscarriage is, the experience remains hugely isolating – and often unsupported in the workplace.
The CBI, which represents UK employers, backed the move, calling miscarriage “a devastating experience” and urging businesses to create space for staff to grieve without pressure.
“Good employers recognise the importance of supporting their staff to take the time they need,” a spokesperson said.
What happens next?
The right to bereavement leave for early miscarriage will be written into law via an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.
A consultation will decide how long the leave should be, who qualifies, and whether any documentation (such as a doctor’s note) will be needed.
Campaigners say it’s a vital moment to make voices heard – and to keep pushing for full recognition of pregnancy loss as a form of bereavement, no matter when it happens.
Because, as Klass puts it, “It’s not about getting better. It’s about being given time to grieve what’s been lost.”
Where to get support if you’ve experienced pregnancy loss
You are not alone. If you or someone you know is grieving a miscarriage, there are trusted organisations offering support:
The Miscarriage Association – Offers information, a helpline, and peer support for anyone affected by pregnancy loss at any stage. Visit www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk or call their helpline on 01924 200799 (Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm).
Tommy’s – A UK pregnancy charity providing expert advice, research and support for miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Visit www.tommys.org or call their pregnancy line on 0800 0147 800 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
Both organisations also offer advice for partners, family members and employers supporting someone through miscarriage.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.