MPs are set to debate the introduction of paid miscarriage leave after a successful application by Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley.
On Tuesday, March 8, the SNP MP will lead the debate in Westminster Hall as part of the campaign to introduce three days of paid leave for parents who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks.
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, however, under current legislation, workers are only entitled to bereavement leave following a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Ms Crawley has been campaigning for the introduction of paid miscarriage leave through a Private Members' Bill but is pressuring the UK Government to introduce the policy in its upcoming Employment Bill.
Last month, Northern Ireland became the latest country to legislate for this provision, joining the likes of New Zealand and Australia.
Ms Crawley said: “I am delighted to have secured this debate on such an important issue.
“Too many workers are left without support due to the cracks in the current inadequate system, which leaves paid provision of leave at the discretion of employers.
“Miscarriage is a tragic loss, not an illness. It is unacceptable that many workers must resort to taking sick leave or annual leave in order to take time to grieve.
“My petition on this issue currently stands at over 38,000 signatories and there is considerable cross-party support in the House for this proposal.
“The UK Government must rectify this gap in provision and legislate for the implementation of paid leave for all who experience miscarriage as part of their upcoming Employment Bill.”
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