Bereavement Leave for Miscarriage: A Game-Changer for Families Facing Loss

Did you know that until recently, many parents who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks had no formal right to take bereavement leave? It’s a heartbreaking reality that countless families faced silently, often juggling their grief alongside the pressures of work and daily life. But that is starting to change — and it’s a shift that could mean the world to many.

Recently, the UK government announced plans to extend bereavement leave to cover miscarriages before 24 weeks. This is a groundbreaking development with deep emotional and practical implications for parents experiencing pregnancy loss. But why does this matter so much, and how does it fit into the broader landscape of fertility and family-building support?

Why Bereavement Leave for Early Miscarriage is So Important

Losing a pregnancy, regardless of gestational age, is an intensely personal and often traumatic experience. Yet miscarriage, especially in early stages, has historically been overlooked in workplace policies. Many parents felt compelled to