Bereavement Leave for Miscarriages: Why This Change Is a Game-Changer for Fertility Journeys
Miscarriage is often called a silent grief. For many, the loss can feel isolating, intensified by a lack of understanding and support — especially from workplaces. But recent changes are starting to break that silence in a truly impactful way.
You might have seen the news: the UK is set to extend bereavement leave to cover miscarriages before 24 weeks. This is huge. For the first time, parents experiencing pregnancy loss, no matter how early, will have the legal right to time off work to grieve and heal.
Why does this matter?
Miscarriages are incredibly common — affecting roughly 1 in 4 pregnancies — yet for too long, the physical and emotional toll has been minimized, especially when losses happen early. Not having workplace recognition can compound feelings of shame and isolation.
This change acknowledges one simple truth: grief is grief, regardless of timing. Giving parents space to mourn honors their experience and supports their mental health, which research shows is closely tied to fertility outcomes.
The ripple effect on fertility journeys
If you or someone you know is trying to conceive, this policy shift means more compassionate support throughout the process. Fertility is about more than just biology — emotional resilience and mental well-being are equally critical.
Many turn to at-home solutions like insemination kits to create families on their own terms. Companies such as MakeAMom offer discreet, cost-effective options tailored to different fertility needs, helping individuals and couples take control in a comfortable setting. Their average success rate of 67% highlights how empowering self-directed fertility can be.
But loss can interrupt this journey. Having bereavement leave means users can pause, process, and return to trying with renewed strength rather than facing pressure to “just keep going.”
What can workplaces do beyond this change?
- Create open conversations about pregnancy loss to reduce stigma.
- Offer flexible scheduling and remote work options during difficult times.
- Provide access to counseling services that specialize in fertility and grief.
These steps help build an environment where fertility challenges are met with empathy, not silence.
How to support yourself or others through miscarriage
- Acknowledge the loss — don’t minimize or rush your feelings.
- Seek community through support groups or online forums.
- Consider alternatives like at-home insemination kits, which can offer privacy and control.
- Talk to your employer about your needs and rights.
Final thoughts
This policy is more than a legal update — it signals a cultural shift toward recognizing the realities of fertility and loss. As we honor those journeys, tools like the MakeAMom at-home insemination kits continue to offer hope and practical support, making the path to parenthood just a little less daunting.
If you’ve experienced miscarriage or are navigating fertility challenges, how has workplace support — or lack thereof — impacted your journey? Share your story in the comments to help others feel less alone.
Let’s keep the conversation going and build a more compassionate future for all families in the making.
Posted on 21 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 3 min