Paid miscarriage leave to be introduced in Northern Ireland

Paid miscarriage leave is finally being introduced

Northern Ireland is set to introduce paid leave for those affected by miscarriage.

This move makes Northern Ireland the first region in Ireland and the United Kingdom to offer paid miscarriage leave.

Those affected by miscarriage will be entitled to two weeks' paid leave from April 6th.

The paid miscarriage leave is an extension of the Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act. This was passed by the Assembly in 2022 and offers employed parents two weeks of paid leave following the death of a child under 18, or if they suffered a stillbirth after 24 weeks.

You will not have to supply medical evidence to avail of paid miscarriage leave, the Assembly confirmed.

Economy Minister and Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald hopes the act will help make a difference to people during such a distressing time.

"Parents who suffer the loss of a child should be treated with care and compassion,” the minister said.

“These new rights allow women who experience miscarriage and their partners to take up to two weeks of paid leave to grieve and to support each other during a very difficult time. I welcome the Assembly’s approval of these regulations, which will make a meaningful difference to many women and families across the north.”

According to Queen's University, it is understood that miscarriage affects between 10-20% of pregnancies in Northern Ireland annually.

Let's hope paid miscarriage leave will be introduced in the Republic of Ireland next.

Anam Cara supports women who have suffered miscarriages and baby loss. You can contact them on 085 2888 888.