THE SNP have called for the UK Government to change the law to ensure paid leave for women who miscarry.
SNP MP Angela Crawley is part of a cross-party group of MPs who sent a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the demand for at least three days of paid leave for women and men who are affected by the loss of a baby.
Under current rules, the only way parents can take time off is by requesting compassionate leave, or taking annual or unpaid leave.
In the letter, Crawley explained that if a baby is still born before the 24th week of pregnancy, that is treated as a miscarriage and the bereaved parents cannot qualify for maternity leave either.
The letter explained: “That means that if there is a loss before 24 weeks, parents must request compassionate leave or take annual or unpaid leave.
“Among women who know they are pregnant, it is estimated one in eight pregnancies will end in miscarriage. That means thousands of women and men are suffering profound loss without adequate support.
"We recognise that most employers go above and beyond to support bereaved families, however, there are exceptions. It is our role to support those suffering without adequate time to grieve.”
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Commenting, Crawley said: “Whilst employment law remains reserved to Westminster, only the Tory government has the power to do the right thing and make that change.
“But we cannot continue to wait for Westminster to act. The SNP Scottish Government has made clear that if we had the power, we would already be setting in motion plans to bring in paid miscarriage leave.”
The New Zealand Parliament recently approved legislation which gives those who experience a miscarriage paid leave – no matter what stage the pregnancy loss occurs.
The letter urged Johnson to follow in New Zealand’s footsteps and provide a minimum three days leave for those who have experienced the loss of a child.
The SNP 2021 Manifesto said the party will bring in a new Women’s Health Plan that will “establish a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service, tailored to the needs of women”, emulating New Zealand. Employment law is reserved to Westminster.
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