The National Health Service (NHS) in England is now offering paid leave to any of its staff members who experience a pregnancy loss in the first 24 weeks of their pregnancy. A birth parent who loses a pregnancy can take as many as 10 days of leave, and the partner of someone who has experienced pregnancy loss can take five days. Any staff member who has a miscarriage after 24 weeks (six months) will be able to take paid maternity leave.

Up until recently, this type of loss was something most people had to go through alone, or with only the support of their partner or family. Having an employer acknowledge the value of the hoped-for child that was lost, and the emotional pain that comes with that loss, is a big step in the right direction. This change may encourage other employers to offer similar policies, helping protect grieving parents and allowing them time to rest after such a difficult experience.

The loss of a baby early on in pregnancy is beginning to be acknowledged more fully now, with England’s recent decision to offer baby loss certificates to parents who have lost children before 24 weeks. While not legal documents, these certificates will be an official way to recognize the loss of a pregnancy. The NHS’s new policy of offering paid leave further showcases the importance of this issue and how it’s being taken more seriously than in the past.

Loss is common, but that doesn’t make it easy to get through. From difficulty conceiving to losing a much-wanted pregnancy before it can fully develop, the pain can be significant and long-lasting. Allowing parents to grieve what might have been, and to fully feel and sort through their emotions, can make a significant difference in how well they can move past what they’ve experienced.

The NHS’s ability to recognize and support this grieving process is hopefully the start of something larger, that will encourage people to talk about these kinds of difficulties and normalize taking time when they occur. By allowing the option of baby loss leave, the NHS is showing that it respects and values its employees and the difficulties they face in life.

Are you interested in starting or growing your family via Assisted Reproductive Technology? Our team of experts will carefully listen to you and tailor a comprehensive family-building plan to your specific wishes and needs. After a review of your assisted reproduction needs, we will draft any requisite contracts, provide you with a thorough legal consultation to explain the contract terms, and finalize your parental rights, if necessary. Contact us today to learn more!