In a landmark move to support grieving parents, the United Kingdom is set to introduce legislation granting two weeks of bereavement leave to those who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy. This initiative is part of broader reforms in the Employment Rights Bill, aiming to extend the existing bereavement leave rights, which currently apply to stillbirths after 24 weeks, to encompass earlier pregnancy losses.   

The change has been championed by Labour MP Sarah Owen, chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, who emphasized the profound physical and emotional impacts of miscarriage on both women and their partners. Approximately 250,000 women in the UK experience a miscarriage each year, highlighting the widespread need for such support. The proposed legislation acknowledges the significant grief associated with early pregnancy loss and seeks to provide affected parents with the necessary time to mourn without the added pressure of immediate work obligations.  

This development reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and compassionate workplace policies. By offering statutory bereavement leave for miscarriage, the UK aims to foster a more supportive environment for employees navigating personal tragedies, ensuring they receive adequate time to grieve and recover. 

Source: The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/03/british-parents-to-gain-right-to-bereavement-leave-after-miscarriage