Miscarriage Association celebrates milestone for miscarriage bereavement leave at House of Commons
15th October 2025
On 15 October 2025, as Baby Loss Awareness Week draws to a close, leaders, campaigners and supporters gathered at the House of Commons to celebrate a historic step forward in workplace rights; the introduction of a protected bereavement leave for those experiencing miscarriage.
Hosted by Sarah Owen MP on behalf of the Miscarriage Association, and supported by the Co-op, the event brought together more than 60 guests who have helped make this change possible. The new legislation, part of the Employment Rights Bill, will give both parents a minimum of five days’ protected leave following a pre-24-week pregnancy loss — a landmark moment for miscarriage rights in the UK.
Among the guests was long-standing miscarriage campaigner Myleene Klass, who has spoken publicly about the impact of pregnancy loss and her drive to help change the law.
Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:
“For too long, people who’ve lost a baby before 24 weeks have had to return to work without time to grieve or process their loss. This law recognises that their grief is real and deserving of both compassion and time, and importantly, it extends that recognition to partners, who have so often been overlooked and excluded from any form of workplace support.
“It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone at the House of Commons with so many guests who have stood alongside us in the fight for change. Their support and commitment have been instrumental in making this possible.”
Sarah Owen MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, added:
“I’m proud to have worked alongside campaigners and the Miscarriage Association to make this happen. It’s a change that will bring comfort and fairness to thousands of people every year.
“Too many parents have had to suffer their loss in silence, returning to work as though nothing happened. This law sends a clear message, that compassion, dignity and understanding have a rightful place in the workplace. It’s about recognising every parent who has experienced this heartbreak and making sure they are seen and supported.”
Myleene Klass, a champion of the Miscarriage Association and MBE recipient for her campaigning on miscarriage, said:
“This is proof that by sharing our stories and standing together, we can create real change. Today, we honour every parent who’s felt their loss go unseen.”
The event also recognised the support of the Co-op, whose commitment to compassionate workplace policies has been instrumental in advancing this cause.
Our Leave for Every Loss campaign has long called for fair and compassionate treatment for employees after miscarriage. This new legislation marks an important milestone in recognising the real impact of pregnancy loss and ensuring that everyone affected is given the time, space and understanding they deserve.