Northern Ireland Leads on Leave for Baby Loss in Pregnancy
Author: Deborah Auty
Date: 2nd April, 2026
Overview: Northern Ireland will introduce bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks from April 2026.
Northern Ireland is set to introduce enhanced Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay (PBLP) from 6th April 2026, becoming the first UK nation to extend statutory bereavement rights to include baby loss during pregnancy before 24 weeks.
Currently, most UK legislation only applies after 24 weeks’ gestation or the death of a child under 18.
A Landmark Change in Northern Ireland
From 6th April 2026, enhancements to Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay (PBLP) in Northern Ireland will come into force. These changes make Northern Ireland the first UK nation to formally extend parental bereavement entitlements to include pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
Under the updated provisions:
Employees will be entitled to bereavement leave and pay following:
A spontaneous miscarriage, or
A pregnancy loss resulting from medical intervention due to risks to the woman’s physical or mental health, or fatal/severe fetal conditions
Eligibility extends not only to the individual experiencing miscarriage but also to those with a qualifying relationship (such as partners)
No medical evidence will be required; instead, employees will provide a simple written self-declaration
Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay will become a day-one right, removing the previous 26-week service requirement
Eligibility for pay can be based on either actual or reasonably expected earnings
This legislative change represents a more inclusive and compassionate approach, acknowledging that grief following pregnancy loss is not defined by gestational thresholds.
A Call for UK-Wide Reform
AtaLoss welcomes the changes as a vital milestone.
While Northern Ireland’s move sets an important precedent, campaigners hope it will encourage similar legislative progress in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Improving Access to Support
Alongside the legislative changes, the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland is updating official guidance to improve signposting to bereavement support services. This includes the introduction of a “further help and support” section, directing individuals affected by child death, stillbirth, or miscarriage to appropriate organisations.
AtaLoss.org has been invited to be included as part of this signposting in recognition of its role as a central hub connecting bereaved individuals with local and national support services.
Dawn Hobson, AtaLoss’ new Head of Partnerships and Signposting says:
“Families identify that pregnancy and baby loss is devastating with profound emotional and psychological impact extending to the whole family. Historically this loss has often been overlooked in workplace policies and legislation, which compounds families’ suffering. By extending bereavement rights following baby loss, Northern Ireland acknowledges the reality of grief experienced by many families and takes a meaningful step toward more compassionate employment practices.”
Support following pregnancy loss is available from national and local charities listed on this website – www.ataloss.org
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AtaLoss is a UK wide charity helping bereaved people find support and wellbeing by raising awareness about the impact of bereavement; directing to help through the signposting website ataloss.org; and training and equipping community support, including through The Bereavement Journey® programme. It is Secretariat to the APPG on Grief Support and the Impact of Death on Society.
Dawn Hobson, AtaLoss’ new Head of Partnerships and Signposting, with prior NHS experience in Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy for families experiencing an adverse outcome, is available by prior arrangement from 20th April.
Media interviews can be arranged via WhatsApp message to Adam May on 07736 949 869 or press@ataloss.org
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