2022-09-24 13:46:15 +0100
To: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Paid Miscarriage Leave
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We are writing to you to urge the UK Government to introduce at least three days of paid miscarriage leave for parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage. Under current legislation, workers are entitled to two weeks of paid bereavement leave following a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Grieving parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy after 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.
For those parents who experience miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, the gap in support that must be closed.
Please support Angela Crawley MP's Private Members Bill on Miscarriage Leave due for second reading on 2nd December 2022. By taking this step, your government would assist in tackling that stigma and showing expectant parents that it is normal to grieve a loss prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Why is this important?
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.
