Why Extending Bereavement Leave for Miscarriages is a Game-Changer for Families

Posted on 28 July 2025 by Amelia Nguyen — 3 min

Imagine facing the heartbreak of a pregnancy loss, and on top of that, feeling isolated and unsupported at work. For many, this has been the painful reality. But recent changes in policy are turning the tide, offering families the empathy and space they so deeply need during such moments.

On July 2025, the UK announced a groundbreaking shift: bereavement leave will now be extended to cover miscarriages occurring before 24 weeks. This means parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage are entitled to time off work. The policy change, highlighted in a recent BBC article, represents a monumental leap toward recognizing the emotional toll miscarriage takes on families.

Why does this matter?

For far too long, miscarriage has been shrouded in silence — an invisible grief. Parents often felt pressured to “move on” quickly, navigating their loss alone while juggling work and daily life. Extending bereavement leave acknowledges that every loss is significant, and healing requires time and support.

You might be wondering: How does this impact individuals on their fertility journey or those exploring at-home insemination options?

Great question. The emotional landscape of fertility challenges is complex. Families using home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, often face a rollercoaster of anticipation, hope, and sometimes loss, all outside of traditional clinical environments. For them, having workplace protections that include bereavement leave for miscarriage is vital—it validates their experiences and supports their mental health.

Here’s what this new policy change unlocks:

Compassionate healing: Parents can now take the necessary time to grieve without fear of job loss or financial strain.
Breaking stigma: By officially recognizing miscarriage in bereavement policies, society moves toward a more open and understanding dialogue about reproductive health.
Empowered families: This support aligns with the growing movement toward personalized, gentle fertility care that respects individual journeys.

At MakeAMom, the commitment goes beyond providing innovative at-home insemination kits. It’s about honor and respect for every step of the path to parenthood—including the tough moments. Their reusable, discreet kits are designed for comfort, privacy, and increased chances of success, with a 67% average success rate.

When coupled with compassionate policies like extended bereavement leave, the future feels hopeful. More people can feel safe to pursue their dreams of parenthood on their own terms, supported both emotionally and practically.

But how can we all contribute to this change?

Advocate: Support policies that acknowledge the emotional realities of fertility and loss.
Educate: Share stories and information to normalize conversations about miscarriage and fertility challenges.
Support: Be present for friends and family navigating these journeys with empathy and care.

This new bereavement leave extension invites us to reimagine what reproductive health support truly looks like. It’s not just about medical interventions—it’s about holistic care that embraces mental wellbeing, dignity, and respect.

So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re currently on your fertility journey or supporting someone who is, remember: your feelings matter. Your time to heal matters. The path to parenthood isn’t always straightforward, but with compassionate support, it can be a journey of hope and resilience.

Have you or someone you know been affected by pregnancy loss? How did your workplace handle it? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can foster a future where no family feels invisible in their grief.

To explore gentle, accessible options that honor your unique fertility journey, check out the range of thoughtfully designed insemination kits at MakeAMom’s website. Every step forward is worth celebrating, and support is just a click away.