Why Extending Bereavement Leave to Early Miscarriages Is a Game-Changer for Families

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Marcus Williams — 4 min

Have you ever wondered how society supports parents who experience pregnancy loss? For too long, miscarriage, especially in its early stages, has been shrouded in silence and invisibility. But recent news is shifting that narrative, offering much-needed acknowledgment and support.

Just recently, a groundbreaking change was announced: bereavement leave will now be extended to parents who experience miscarriages before 24 weeks. This move, reported by BBC News, is not just a legal update—it's a profound shift in how we recognize grief, validate loss, and support families.

Why This Matters So Much

Many people don't realize how common miscarriages are—studies suggest that up to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Yet, the emotional impact is often underestimated. Parents navigating this kind of loss face physical recovery and the heavy weight of emotional trauma, often without the necessary time or space to grieve properly.

Before this change, parents who miscarried early were often expected to return to work immediately, balancing their visible pain with professional responsibilities. Think about that for a moment—losing a pregnancy and then having to jump right back into daily life without proper support. It’s exhausting and isolating.

What Bereavement Leave Actually Means Here

Extending bereavement leave means parents can take paid time off to process their loss, heal emotionally, and be with their partners or family. It's a recognition that miscarriage, regardless of gestational age, is a loss deserving of compassion and time.

And while laws are one thing, cultural change is another. This policy encourages workplaces and society to talk openly about pregnancy loss, which can help reduce stigma and foster a more supportive environment.

How This Relates to Those on the Fertility Journey

For many readers here at Conceptera, the path to conception has been challenging. Whether you’re exploring at-home insemination or other fertility options, miscarriage can unfortunately be part of the journey.

The emotional rollercoaster—hope, excitement, loss—is hard to bear alone. Support systems and resources are vital. That’s why companies like MakeAMom are so important. They provide accessible, discreet at-home insemination kits, tailored for different fertility needs, giving couples and individuals greater control over their conception journey.

MakeAMom’s kits—like the CryoBaby for low-volume sperm or the BabyMaker for those with sensitivities—are designed to empower people to try conception in the comfort and privacy of home, reducing stress and providing hope. And hope is such a powerful thing, especially when navigating the uncertainties that sometimes come with fertility.

What You Can Do If You’re Facing Loss

If you or someone you love is going through a miscarriage, here are a few things to remember:

Give yourself permission to grieve—there’s no “right way” or timeline.
Reach out for support—friends, family, or support groups can be lifesavers.
Take advantage of new policies like extended bereavement leave to care for your mental health.
Consider fertility resources to feel empowered about your next steps, whether that’s trying again or exploring other options.

The Bigger Picture: Changing the Conversation

This policy change is a hopeful sign of progress. It pushes us all to talk honestly about pregnancy loss, breaking the silence that isolates so many. And as communities become more understanding and supportive, people navigating fertility challenges can feel less alone.

At Conceptera, we believe knowledge and compassion go hand in hand. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this path for a while, staying informed—about everything from the latest fertility tech to emotional wellness—is key.

So, what do you think? How might this change affect your view on pregnancy loss or fertility? Have you or someone you know benefited from extended leave after a miscarriage? Share your story below, and let’s keep this important conversation alive.

Remember, every step in this journey matters, and support is always within reach.