Northern Ireland leads the way with paid miscarriage leave for parents

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald pictured with the new regulations

Northern Ireland is set to become the first region on these islands to provide paid leave for parents affected by miscarriage, in what has been described as a “meaningful difference” for thousands of families each year.

From 6 April 2026, new regulations confirmed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald will give working parents the right to take up to two weeks of paid leave following a miscarriage, extending existing bereavement protections.

The move marks a significant shift in how pregnancy loss is recognised in the workplace, bringing miscarriage into line with other forms of parental bereavement support.

Extending bereavement rights to miscarriage

The new regulations build on the Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, which granted two weeks of paid leave to parents following the death of a child under 18 or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Under the updated rules, those protections will now include miscarriage, with entitlement also extended to partners and other affected parents.

Crucially, the right to bereavement leave and pay will become a day-one entitlement, removing the previous requirement for 26 weeks of continuous employment.

“Care and compassion” at the heart of the change

Announcing the changes, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:

“Parents who suffer the loss of a child should be treated with care and compassion. These new rights allow women who experience miscarriage and their partner to take up to two weeks of paid leave to grieve and to support each other during a very difficult time.

“I welcome the Assembly’s approval of these Regulations, which will make a meaningful difference to many women and families across the north.”

Supporting thousands of families each year

It is estimated that more than 9,000 people in Northern Ireland are affected by miscarriage annually, either directly or through their partner.

In a move designed to reduce stress during an already traumatic time, the policy will require only a simple declaration of entitlement. Parents will not need to provide medical evidence, avoiding additional emotional strain and reducing pressure on health services.

A first across these islands

With the introduction of these measures, Northern Ireland becomes the only region on these islands to provide paid bereavement leave specifically for miscarriage.

The regulations will now be formally enacted ahead of their implementation in April, positioning Northern Ireland at the forefront of workplace rights for parents experiencing pregnancy loss.

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At a glance

• New miscarriage leave and pay rights begin on 6 April 2026

• Parents can take up to two weeks of paid leave after a miscarriage

• Entitlement extends to partners and other affected parents

• Bereavement leave becomes a day-one right for all workers

• Removes previous 26-week employment qualifying period

• No medical evidence required—only a declaration of entitlement

• Over 9,000 people per year in Northern Ireland are affected

• Northern Ireland is the first region on these islands to introduce this support

• Builds on 2022 parental bereavement legislation