Ickle Pickles Joins the Miscarriage Association’s Leave for Every Loss Campaign

At Ickle Pickles, we are deeply committed to supporting families during the challenging times of baby loss, and this is why we are thrilled to join forces with the Miscarriage Association in supporting the Leave for Every Loss campaign. This important initiative aims to ensure that parents who experience pre-24-week pregnancy loss are provided with the bereavement leave they need and deserve. 

According to Tommy's, in 2022, live births with a gestational age of under 24 weeks accounted for 0.14%. Giving birth before 24 weeks and losing a baby currently does not qualify for Neonatal Leave and Care Pay (your baby needs to receive 7 days of neonatal care) or Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave (a parent only qualifies for stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy). Very premature baby loss should be included in the government’s proposal to be considered and be eligible for bereavement leave.

Government Commitment to Bereavement Legislation

Following the dedicated efforts of the Miscarriage Association, the UK Government has pledged to include pre-24-week pregnancy loss in new bereavement legislation. As part of this process, the Department for Business and Trade is conducting a public consultation to determine the specifics of this leave, such as duration and eligibility. This consultation is a crucial opportunity for individuals and families affected by pregnancy and premature baby loss to voice their needs and experiences.

Why This Legislation Matters

Formally recognising miscarriage and pre-24-week losses in this way marks a significant step forward. It acknowledges the profound impact of pregnancy and baby loss, providing validation to many who have felt their experiences were minimised or dismissed. Achieving such recognition positions the UK as one of only four countries to officially recognise pregnancy loss in this manner, a milestone that holds immense significance for countless families.

Proposed Bereavement Leave

The current proposal suggests a protected leave of at least one week, albeit unpaid at this stage, equating pre-24-week loss with the loss of a spouse or other family member. While this represents an important change, Ickle Pickles and our partners at the Miscarriage Association believe that this leave should be paid. We will continue to advocate for paid leave, as financial security is essential during such a vulnerable time.

Voices of Experience: Stories of Loss and Courage

To highlight the importance of this campaign, we share the poignant stories of two families who have faced the heart-wrenching experience of viability and a very early birth and the challenges of neonatal care and baby loss.

Jade and Steve Crane's Journey

Ickle Pickles' supporters, Jade and Steve Crane, bravely shared their story of their twins, Harley and Harry, born at just 22 weeks of gestation. Despite being told their babies had a 0% chance of survival, Jade and Steve advocated fiercely for their care. The twins' fight for life in the NICU demonstrates the resilience and determination of families navigating these difficult circumstances.

Julie's Story of Love and Loss

Similarly, Julie's experience of giving birth to her twins at 24 weeks brings to light the intense emotional and physical challenges faced by parents in the NICU. The heart-wrenching decision to withdraw life support from one of her sons, Harry, highlights the complexities and emotional turmoil that accompany such situations. Julie's story underlines the necessity for comprehensive bereavement support for families.

Participate in the Public Consultation

Your voice is vital in shaping the future of bereavement leave policies. We invite you to participate in the public consultation, which runs until January 15th. This is an opportunity to ensure that the leave offered aligns with the needs of those who experience pregnancy and baby loss. Please share this consultation widely within your networks to ensure a broad spectrum of voices is heard.

Take part in the Public Consultation on Bereavement Leave using this link here.  

Together, we can make a difference for families experiencing pregnancy loss, advocating for policies that respect and support their journeys. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to this important cause.

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