Women are fighting for paid leave after miscarriage
People are calling for those impacted by miscarriage and pregnancy loss to be given paid leave, following the introduction of a bill introduced to parliament aimed at changing the law.
The government is being urged to ensure parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy are offered at least three days of paid miscarriage leave to come to terms with their loss.
Under current legislation, parents who suffer the stillbirth of a child are legally entitled to paid bereavement leave, with employers obliged to give two weeks’ paid leave to anyone who loses a baby from 24 weeks of pregnancy onwards, and anyone who loses a child under the age of 18.
But there is no such legislation for couples who experience a miscarriage, and grieving parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy at less than 24 weeks are not covered by any such provision and must rely on either unpaid or sick leave if they feel unable to return to work following their pregnancy loss.
And that's despite figures revealing that one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Read more: Binky Felstead praised by charities for helping to break the taboo surrounding miscarriage
In New Zealand, mothers and their partners are eligible for three days’ of paid bereavement leave under a law approved by parliament and campaigners are calling for a similar law to be introduced in the UK.
Last year MP Angela Crawley introduced a backbench Private Members Bill in a bid to change the law.
In a petition calling on support for the bill she said: "Suffering a miscarriage is not an illness, it is a loss that can be traumatic for expectant parents. It is therefore unfair to expect those grieving to rely on either their employer’s good will or sick leave.
"Unfortunately, there is also a stigma around miscarriage, with many parents feeling unable to discuss their loss with friends, family or their GP. By introducing paid leave, it will open the door to more parents seeking the support that they deserve."
Read more: Jessie J shares heartbreak of miscarriage after planning solo motherhood
The MP's Private Members Bill on Miscarriage Leave is due for a second reading on 18th March 2022 and other campaigners are joining the fight to help push it through.
"The provision of three days paid leave after miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy would be hugely welcomed by many women and their partners," explains Ruth Bender Atik, the national director of the Miscarriage Association.
"It allows time off work when it’s needed most, without the worry of a complete loss of income. And while we wouldn’t suggest that feelings of loss and grief disappear after just three days, instituting some paid leave as the norm is a clear recognition of the impact that even the earliest of losses can have."
To spread the word further The Know has launched a #LeaveAfterLoss campaign which aims to raise awareness of the issue.
"We launched #LeaveAfterLoss to bring awareness to the 150,000 working women in the UK who experience a miscarriage each year and fight for their right to paid leave," explains Lynn Anderson Clark Co-Founder at The Know.
As well as supporting the bill in parliament, it is also tackling the issue by approaching employers in a bid to encourage them to introduce or amend their own policies surrounding miscarriage and pregnancy loss.
The Miscarriage Association has put together a pregnancy loss pledge – a set of standards for organisations to sign up to regarding supporting employees who experience pregnancy loss.
So far, it has 110 organisations signed up, covering 274,370 employees and The Know is hoping to support the charity in getting the word out.
Watch: Jessie J felt 'lonely' after miscarriage
"The Miscarriage Association has done some brilliant work on creating best practices for workplace policies and guidance," Anderson Clark continues.
"What I've learned is that instituting flexible policies is key so that parents don't feel the need to return prior to when they feel ready. We have launched a LinkedIn campaign to help spread the word regarding their Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
"But we need legal change too to make sure this reaches everyone – so, we’re supporting MP Angela Crawley’s bill that will provide three days' paid bereavement leave for parents."
Read more: Miscarriages: Why they occur, the mental health impact and the support available
While three days may not be enough for many people, Anderson Clark says the inflexible nature of laws mean MPs need to set a number that will encourage widespread support while also helping to improve the existing situation.
"I am frustrated that the existing situation guarantees nothing for women in grief," she continues. "But the fight doesn’t end there, it’s just the beginning.
"We hope we can encourage people to sign the petition and get loud about taking care of parents during what can be an incredibly traumatic time."
Finding support
The Miscarriage Association provides help and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
For information and support you can also visit stillbirth and neonatal death charity, Sands UK.
Tommy’s provides pregnancy health information to parents.
