Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced new rights for pregnancy loss, introducing a legal entitlement to two weeks' leave for women and their partners from April 2027. The change addresses the current lack of legal bereavement leave for losses before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Speaking during Baby Loss Awareness Week, Burnham said he wants to "recognise the heartbreak that baby and pregnancy loss causes parents and families across the UK." He added that he will be thinking of everyone who has suffered such a loss and wants to do more to help.
New legal minimum for pregnancy loss leave
From April, women and their partners will be entitled to two weeks' leave following any pregnancy loss. Burnham acknowledged the measure is "not perfect" but described it as a first step to establish a basic right that everyone can rely on. He urged employers to go further, including offering paid leave where they can.
The UK government is also improving maternity care, which Burnham described as a "priority for me." He hopes to raise standards of safety care for every mum and baby.
Bereavement leave expansion confirmed
In a separate announcement on September 23, the government confirmed broader changes to family bereavement rights. From April 2027, employees who lose a spouse or partner, parent, adult child or sibling will gain a new right to bereavement leave. This will also cover step, half, adoptive, kinship care and foster relationships, which currently have no legal right to bereavement leave.
Minister for the future of work, Kate Dearden, said: "No one should have to fight for time to grieve. These changes back people going through some of the hardest moments of life, whoever they are and wherever they work. I want to thank the campaigners, whose courage and testimonies, have made this change happen."
Burnham addressed those affected directly, saying: "To everyone carrying the pain of baby or pregnancy loss, please know that your grief matters, and you are not alone."
