The Government ‘fully accepts’ the principle of bereavement for pregnancy losses and will bring forward amendments to Employment Rights Bill that were tabled by 87 Members to include miscarriage as a bereavement right.
Justin Madders, Minister of Employment Rights in the House of Commons, said that he was thankful to the Women and Equalities Committee for bringing up the important topic of miscarriage leaves during yesterday’s debate.
He said: “The loss of any baby is a very difficult experience. The inquiry they conducted showed that there was a gap in the support available for women who have experienced pregnancy loss, and need to take time to grieve and recover.”
He paid tributes to Sarah Owen, the chairwoman of the WEC, and the MP who led the amendments in the Bill. She spoke out about her personal experiences, as did other MPs, and those campaigning on the issue.
He said, “We’ve heard them.” “We accept the principle of bereavement for pregnancy losses as raised in amendments. We look forward to further discussions with the honorable member and the noble Lords when the Bill progresses to its next stages in the opposite place.
“Bereavement does not fall under the category of illness or holiday. It deserves its own unique category.”
A report from the Women and Equalities Committee in January recommended that the laws be amended to align miscarriage with the existing provisions regarding baby loss after 24 week.
They concluded that a period of paid leave should be available to women and their partners who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks.
Owen said yesterday: “Miscarriages, and other losses of pregnancy before 24 weeks can be devastating to women and their families. They have both emotional and physical effects.”
“Like many other women, I understand that when a woman loses a pregnancy she is not sick but grieving. It’s a positive thing to see the government recognize this need.
The government’s willingness to explore possible changes during the House of Lords consideration of the Employment Rights Bill was welcomed. The government may not have committed to the paid statutory leave that we requested, but its commitment to exploring options is tangible progress. It will make a vital change for those who suffer the heartbreak caused by pregnancy loss.
WEC’s Report cites data that estimates that one-fifth of pregnancies ends before 24 weeks and one-fifth of women miscarry during their reproductive life.
The amendments would include leave and payment provisions for those who suffer miscarriage, an ectopic or molar pregnancy and embryo transfer losses during IVF. They would also introduce a right to “statutory pregnancy pay”.
The UK will be one of four countries where employers are required to provide the necessary time for grieving to those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
The Neonatal (Leave and Pay Act provides eligible parents with up to 12 week’s neonatal leave and pay. This applies to babies born after 6 April 2025.
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