House of Commons · General Debate
19 October 2021 · 1 other contributor
Opened by Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Owen raised concerns about bereavement leave and pay (stillborn and miscarried babies) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves to extend entitlement to parental bereavement leave and pay to cover parents of babies who are miscarried or stillborn during early pregnancy. She cites personal experience, statistics from the Miscarriage Association noting about a quarter of a million people annually in the UK miscarry, and highlights societal changes that have started breaking the stigma around baby loss but lack legal recognition.
Stresses her own experience of miscarriage at work, detailing how she had to balance professional responsibilities while grieving privately. She mentions that although her employer was supportive, it is not the case for everyone and legal support is needed universally. Owen also notes cross-party support including from the right hon. Member for South West Surrey (Jeremy Hunt) and gratitude towards Sands charity.