Lanarkshire locals are being urged to show their support for the Miscarriage Leave Bill as it returns to Parliament this week.
If enacted, the legislation would introduce a statutory right for parents who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks to three days of paid leave.
The campaign was launched by Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley who is now calling on the UK Government to get behind the bill when it is due to receive its second reading this Friday, December 2, in the House of Commons.
The local representative introduced a private members' bill to Parliament in early 2021 and it has since progressed well, but It will need the support of fellow MPs if it is to go further.
Introduced under the Ten Minute Rule, the bill unanimously passed its first reading in July.
Last week, Ms Crawley met with Parliamentary under secretary of state Kevin Hollinrake to discuss paid miscarriage leave and, although constructive, there was no commitment from the UK Government to introduce it.
She told Lanarkshire Live : “I would urge the UK Government to back my private members’ bill and give parents who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks the right to paid leave.
“By introducing paid miscarriage leave, the UK can take a progressive step forwards and join other nations such as Australia and New Zealand in supporting parents through difficult times.
“We can also help to end the stigma associated with miscarriage by introducing paid leave as it would send a signal to those who experience pregnancy loss that we recognise their grief and loss.
“My bill has support from every party in the House of Commons, the only thing it needs now is the support of the UK Government.”
In April 2020, the government introduced two-weeks paid leave for people who have experienced a miscarriage after the 24-week period.
However, Ms Crawley wants to see this extended to those who face the trauma at an early stage of pregnancy.
The move has already received widespread support, with the point that the majority of miscarriages take place within the first trimester of pregnancy being stressed amidst Ms Crawley’s bill.
In calls last year, she explained: “This traumatic life event will inevitably affect both parents differently.
"There is a cost associated with such a loss, as many parents opt to take unpaid or sick leave, so there is already a financial penalty for people up and down the country.
“Often an employer has no idea what the nature of their employee’s sickness is, or the ramifications for their business.
"Therefore, having a policy on this issue, or the right to take paid leave in statute, should not add any further burden to them."
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