UK Extends 2-Week Leave to Pre-24-Week Pregnancy Losses From April 2027
Updated
Updated · The Conversation · Sep 28
UK Extends 2-Week Leave to Pre-24-Week Pregnancy Losses From April 2027
3 articles · Updated · The Conversation · Sep 28
Summary
April 2027 will bring statutory leave for all pregnancy losses before 24 weeks, extending a scheme that now covers child deaths and stillbirths after 24 weeks.
Two weeks of leave will be available unpaid and can be taken flexibly within 56 weeks; eligibility also covers partners and intended parents in surrogacy arrangements.
The policy spans miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancies, failed IVF embryo transfers and terminations, broadening recognition of pregnancy endings as a workplace issue.
Unions and charities say the unpaid design could shut out low-paid or precarious workers, while the need to disclose a pregnancy ending to employers may deter some from claiming it.
Critics also say framing the entitlement as bereavement leave is too narrow, because emotional responses to pregnancy endings range from grief to ambivalence or relief.