Parents given new right to two weeks’ leave after pregnancy loss

UK parents affected by pregnancy loss before 24 weeks will gain a legal right to up to two weeks of unpaid leave from April 2027.

The entitlement will cover miscarriage, terminations and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers, giving those affected a formal right to time away from work following a loss.

It will also apply to partners, the other biological parent and intended parents in a surrogacy arrangement.

Vicki Robinson, chief executive of Miscarriage UK, said: “We welcome today’s announcement that bereavement leave for pre-24-week pregnancy loss will become law in April 2027, with an increased minimum of two weeks’ leave and an entitlement that recognises partners, too.

“This is an important step in recognising pregnancy loss as a bereavement and the profound impact it can have, and we hope will provide a baseline for employers to go further.

“We still strongly believe bereavement leave should be paid, and we will continue to press for this through our Leave for Every Loss campaign.

“We will continue work with Government to ensure the detail and guidance provide meaningful and compassionate support for everyone affected by pregnancy loss.”

There is currently no legal right to bereavement leave following pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

The change follows campaigning by parents who experienced pregnancy loss without formal recognition of their loss.

An estimated one in five women in the UK experience a miscarriage during their lifetime.

The new entitlement is intended to provide greater consistency for families across Great Britain following pregnancy loss.