Bereavement Leave for Miscarriages: A Much-Needed Game-Changer for Parents
Posted on 23 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 3 min
Imagine the silent heartbreak — a pregnancy loss so profound yet so often invisible in the workplace. For years, parents who experienced miscarriages faced not only emotional turmoil but also the added stress of navigating their jobs without legal leave to grieve. That’s about to change, thanks to a groundbreaking decision featured in the recent BBC article announcing the extension of bereavement leave to pregnancy losses before 24 weeks.
Why does this matter so much? Because miscarriage is heartbreakingly common — roughly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and yet many parents suffer silently, left to balance grief with professional demands. Extending bereavement leave means acknowledging this pain, giving parents the time and space to heal without fearing job insecurity or financial strain.
At Conceptera, we know the journey to parenthood is rarely a straight path. Whether you're navigating natural attempts or using at-home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom—which provide innovative, private, and cost-effective fertility solutions right at home—the emotional rollercoaster is real. Pregnancy loss can feel like a crushing detour, but support systems are evolving alongside technology.
So, what’s actually changing? Under the new plans, parents who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination due to fetal anomalies before 24 weeks will now be entitled to bereavement leave from their employers. This recognition is monumental because it:
- Validates the grief associated with early-stage pregnancy loss
- Provides much-needed time to process emotions and recover
- Reduces workplace stigma surrounding miscarriage
- Encourages open conversations about fertility struggles and parental mental health
But let’s face it, miscarriage is still wrapped in silence and misunderstanding. Why? Many see pregnancy loss as a private, even taboo topic, leading many to hide their pain. This policy shift is a giant stride toward changing that narrative.
What can you do if you’re on this journey? Whether you are using home insemination kits like MakeAMom’s Impregnator for low motility sperm or the CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm samples, knowing you have resources that respect your journey can make a huge difference.
MakeAMom kits offer reusable, discrete solutions that help couples and individuals take control of their fertility at home — removing some of the clinical sterility and expense from the picture. This emotional and financial empowerment pairs beautifully with supportive workplace policies, creating a more compassionate environment for families.
Here’s a little secret: Taking care of your emotional health during fertility journeys is just as crucial as the physical steps. Bereavement leave acknowledges that necessity, but so does building a community that understands the highs and lows, the successes and setbacks.
We want to leave you with this: If you or someone you love is navigating the complexities of conception and loss, remember you are not invisible. Progress is being made, both in legal protections and in fertility technology. And while society catches up to truly support parents through every step, resources like MakeAMom and conversations sparked by policy changes can be a beacon of hope.
What are your thoughts on the new bereavement leave extension? How do you think it will change the fertility and parenting landscape? Drop your thoughts and stories below — let’s support each other through this journey.
Because at the end of the day, every step toward recognition is a step toward healing.