Why Extending Bereavement Leave for Miscarriages Is a Game-Changer for Fertility Journeys

Have you ever felt the silent weight of grief after a miscarriage? It’s a heartbreaking experience that so many endure in silence, often without the time or space to truly heal. But here’s some uplifting news that’s been making waves recently: parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage, now including miscarriages before 24 weeks, will be entitled to bereavement leave from work. This planned change, reported by the BBC, is more than policy—it’s a monumental step toward acknowledging the emotional realities of fertility challenges. (You can read the full article here.)

Why does this matter so much?

For those on the path to parenthood—whether through natural conception, assisted methods, or at-home insemination—the road isn’t always straightforward. Miscarriages bring an emotional storm that can be isolating. Traditionally, many have faced pressure to 'keep going' without adequate time to grieve. Extending bereavement leave is a compassionate recognition that healing isn’t just physical but deeply emotional.

Now, imagine what that means for people building families in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. At-home fertility options like insemination kits empower thousands to take control of their journey, but they don’t shield anyone from loss or heartbreak. Having the ability to step back, breathe, and heal without the added stress of work can be transformative.

How can this shift change your fertility journey?

• Mental Health Matters: Grieving properly creates space for emotional resilience, reducing anxiety and depression linked to fertility struggles.
• Supporting Partners: Bereavement leave isn’t just for one person; it acknowledges that both partners may need time to heal and connect.
• Normalizing Conversations: Policies like these open the door for honest dialogues about miscarriage and fertility challenges, breaking stigma.

At MakeAMom, we witness the emotional spectrum of those trying to conceive every day. Our at-home insemination kits, including CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for those with unique sensitivities, offer practical tools designed with empathy and science. They allow hopeful parents to pursue their dreams safely, affordably, and privately—because your journey should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

But grief doesn’t take a pause for fertility treatments, does it? Recognizing this, it’s so encouraging to see society adapting to meet emotional needs. When you combine compassionate workplace policies with tools that put you in control, the fertility landscape becomes a little more nurturing.

What can you do now?

• Lean into your support systems: Whether it’s community groups, counseling, or online forums, you’re not alone.
• Educate your workplace: If this new bereavement leave isn’t yet available to you, consider sharing resources and advocating for change.
• Empower your fertility journey: Explore at-home insemination options that fit your unique situation, and take ownership of your path forward.

Each step forward, big or small, is part of a larger movement—a movement towards kindness, understanding, and hope.

So here’s the big question: How will you honor your emotional needs while pursuing your dream of parenthood? Share your story, your struggles, or your victories below. Because every voice matters in reshaping the future of fertility support.

And if you're curious about how at-home insemination can fit into your story, explore the thoughtfully designed options that blend science with sensitivity at MakeAMom. Because the path to growing your family should always come with care.

Together, let’s turn the tide on silence and stigma—one compassionate step at a time.