Researchers call for scrutiny of employment leave for early pregnancy endings
A study reports that in different parts of the UK, there are inconsistencies to paid leave from work in the case of pregnancies which end early

The limited types of employment leave currently available in England and Wales after the early end of a pregnancy are either sick leave, or, in some organisations, forms of bereavement leave. Both of these types of leave make assumptions about the nature of the pregnancy ending and what the experience has involved which may not be suitable. 'Sick leave' assumes a pregnancy ending without a live birth to be an illness, and sidelines people who feel a baby was lost. 'Bereavement leave' sidelines the physical needs of the post-pregnant woman, and may exclude some types of pregnancy ending or those who do not feel bereaved.
Dr Aimee Middlemiss
University of Plymouth Research Fellow, working at the University of Exeter while carrying out research for this study
“This research is significant because it is, as far as we are aware, the first to analyse the different inclusions and exclusions generated by laws in England and Wales and around the world regarding paid employment leave and the status of the foetus or baby. We call upon policymakers to carefully evaluate the implications of new proposals regarding employment leave for pregnancy endings."
“We want to ensure that any new proposals do not lead to stigmatisation around pregnancy endings, and that employees receive equitable and individualised support that is tailored to their needs, regardless of the type of early pregnancy ending experienced.”