Bereavement Leave Extended for Miscarriages: What This Means for Families and Fertility Journeys

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Amelia Nguyen — 3 min

Miscarriage is one of the most deeply personal and often isolating experiences many people face, yet it has historically been met with silence, especially in the workplace. Imagine enduring the emotional weight of pregnancy loss and then returning to work the very next day without any official time to grieve. This scenario is far too common—until now.

On July 24, 2025, the UK government announced a groundbreaking policy change: bereavement leave will be extended to cover miscarriages occurring before 24 weeks of pregnancy (read the full announcement on BBC News). This shift acknowledges the profound grief associated with pregnancy loss at any stage and promises a much-needed compassionate response from employers.

Why Does This Matter?

For decades, the lack of formal leave options following a miscarriage meant that grieving parents often faced impossible choices—balancing emotional healing with workplace demands. This new legislation recognizes miscarriage not just as a medical event but as an emotional tragedy deserving of support.

But what about those on fertility journeys? Many individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments—sometimes at home with tools like insemination kits—face heightened anxieties around pregnancy outcomes. The emotional toll of loss can be compounded when there’s little room to openly grieve or take time off.

Supporting Families Beyond the Workplace

This policy acts as a catalyst for broader conversations about fertility care and reproductive health. It encourages us to ask:

How can workplaces be more sensitive to fertility challenges?
What resources can families access after loss?
How do innovations in at-home fertility solutions impact emotional well-being?

At-home insemination kits, for example, offer privacy, control, and comfort to users navigating fertility challenges outside of clinical settings. Companies like MakeAMom have developed specialized kits—such as CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for those with sensitivities—that empower users to take charge of their fertility journeys with discretion and dignity. Their reusable kits also provide a cost-effective alternative to disposable options, helping to reduce financial stress during an already vulnerable time.

The Emotional Journey of Fertility and Loss

Each miscarriage is a unique experience, deeply intertwined with hope, expectation, and dreams for the future. Allowing time off work acknowledges this complexity and opens space for healing.

If you or someone you know is going through this, it’s important to remember:

You are not alone. Many face similar struggles, though conversations around miscarriage have been historically muted.
Support is available. From counseling services to fertility communities, reach out.
Innovative fertility tools exist. At-home insemination kits can provide comfortable, private options tailored to individual needs.

What Can Employers and Partners Do?

Employers should consider extending compassionate policies beyond legal mandates to foster truly supportive environments. This includes:

Training HR and management on fertility sensitivity.
Providing clear information on leave entitlements.
Encouraging open dialogue to reduce stigma.

Partners and family members can play a vital role by offering empathy and understanding during these times.

Looking Ahead

The extension of bereavement leave for miscarriage before 24 weeks marks a significant step in respecting and validating the experiences of grieving parents. It also shines a light on the importance of accessible, personalized reproductive health care options.

If you’re exploring fertility solutions, consider researching innovative, privacy-conscious tools like those offered by MakeAMom. Their dedication to comfort and discretion could be a valuable part of your journey.

What does this policy change mean to you? Are workplaces in your community prepared to support families facing miscarriage? Share your thoughts and experiences below—we’d love to hear from you.

For more on reproductive health resources and compassionate fertility solutions, explore the MakeAMom website.