Bereavement Leave for Miscarriages: A Game-Changing Move for Families Facing Loss

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min

When grief meets policy: why extending bereavement leave for miscarriages is a monumental step.

Imagine navigating the heartbreaking reality of a miscarriage, only to face the cold, hard walls of your workplace as you try to grieve. For far too long, families experiencing pregnancy loss—especially those before 24 weeks—have been left without adequate support or recognition. That's about to change, and it's a shift worth celebrating.

Recently, the UK government announced plans to extend bereavement leave to include miscarriages before 24 weeks. This is not just a policy update; it’s a validation of the emotional turmoil countless parents endure. It signals a profound shift in how society honors and supports those affected by pregnancy loss.

Why does this matter? Because grief doesn’t come with a timeline. Whether it’s 8 weeks, 16 weeks, or 24 weeks, the loss is devastating. However, many workplaces have traditionally offered bereavement leave only for stillbirths or infant loss after 24 weeks, leaving an unfortunate gap. This change acknowledges that all losses during pregnancy deserve compassion and space to heal.

So, what does this mean for the fertility and conception community? It means recognizing the full spectrum of experiences—from hopeful beginnings to unexpected heartbreak—and offering pathways to support and healing.

If you've ever been on the rollercoaster of trying to conceive, you know it’s not all heartbeat celebrations and baby kicks. It’s an emotional journey filled with hope, setbacks, and sometimes, loss. Organizations like MakeAMom understand this intimately. They specialize in at-home insemination kits that empower individuals and couples in their conception journeys — all from the comfort and privacy of home. But beyond that, they also appreciate the emotional highs and lows that come with fertility struggles, including miscarriage.

MakeAMom’s focus on at-home insemination offers a gentle alternative for those who may be sensitive to clinical settings—think of their BabyMaker kit, designed for users with conditions like vaginismus, or the CryoBaby kit that's tailored for handling frozen sperm. These thoughtful products underscore a broader truth: conception isn’t always straightforward, and support must be as nuanced as the experiences themselves.

But how does bereavement leave tie into this?

Well, when someone is trying to conceive at home, managing stress and mental health is crucial. The pain of a loss, compounded by the pressure to keep trying, can be overwhelming. Having the right to take time off work—to grieve, process emotions, and seek support—can make a world of difference.

Let’s break down why this policy change is a beacon of hope:

Validation of Loss: It affirms that pregnancy loss, even before 24 weeks, is a serious emotional event deserving acknowledgment.
Mental Health Support: Time off provides space for healing, reducing the risk of long-term psychological effects like depression or anxiety.
Workplace Compassion: Encourages employers to foster empathetic environments, benefiting overall wellbeing.

In the context of conception technologies, this highlights how deeply intertwined physical and emotional journeys are. Fertility solutions like MakeAMom’s kits don’t just address the mechanics of conception—they’re part of a larger ecosystem of care that includes mental health, support networks, and now, better workplace policies.

So, what can you do if you’re facing this journey?

Know Your Rights: Stay informed about bereavement policies at your workplace and local laws. Changes like the one announced by the UK are setting new standards worldwide.
Lean on Support: Whether it’s through forums, fertility communities, or trusted products like those from MakeAMom, know that you’re not alone.
Prioritize Mental Health: Take time for yourself. Grieving isn’t linear and doesn’t have an expiry date.
Stay Curious & Empowered: Explore fertility innovations and resources that respect your emotional and physical needs.

In closing, extending bereavement leave to include miscarriages before 24 weeks isn’t just a policy win—it’s a cultural shift. It recognizes the complexity of fertility journeys and the need for compassion at every step. If you or someone you know is navigating this path, remember: your experience matters, your grief is valid, and support is evolving to meet you where you are.

What are your thoughts on this policy change? How do you think workplaces and fertility services can better support those dealing with pregnancy loss? Join the conversation below!

For more on at-home insemination options that honor your unique journey, check out the compassionate and innovative solutions from MakeAMom.