Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Fatalities in Childbirth: Statutory Leave and Pay

06 December 2023 · 5 other contributors · 7,177 words

Opened by Darren Henry Con Broxtowe

Responding minister: Kevin Hollinrake

EmploymentChildren & Families

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Darren Henry raised concerns about fatalities in childbirth: statutory leave and pay in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about parents losing their partner during childbirth not being entitled to statutory leave and pay.
  • Specific asks include a day-one right for parents to access statutory leave and pay without meeting employment criteria in cases of bereavement due to childbirth.
  • The Minister acknowledges the devastating impact of losing a child and expresses commitment to improving support, referencing the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill introduced in 2018.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to ensure that in cases of bereavement due to childbirth, there should be a day-one right for parents to access both statutory leave and pay without meeting stringent employment criteria. This change would prevent individuals from facing job insecurity while grieving and caring for their newborn child.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Darren Henry Con Broxtowe

I am concerned about the situation where a parent loses their partner during childbirth and is not entitled to statutory leave and pay. Aaron, a constituent who lost his wife Bernadette in childbirth while holding their three-week-old baby Tim, found himself unable to access shared parental leave because he did not meet the work and pay criteria. The loss of a loved one coupled with job insecurity and the responsibilities of raising a newborn is more than most can handle. There are circumstances where people miss out on shared parental leave despite it being intended for such scenarios.

Other contributors (5)
  • Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend

    Mr Elmore apologised for being late and expressed hope that his private Member's Bill would be passed constructively, emphasising it is not a political issue but one of conscience. He noted the importance of working with the Minister to bring about change for families affected by childbirth fatalities.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon expressed his support for the proposed changes to statutory leave and pay, emphasizing the need for emotional recognition of loss alongside financial support. He highlighted businesses' willingness to provide time off without burdening them financially and shared a personal story about a constituent who lived with unresolved grief over her stillborn child's burial details for 58 years.

  • Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

    Madders praised the hon. Member for Broxtowe's tireless campaigning on the issue of statutory leave and pay, highlighting Aaron's tragic loss as a catalyst. He mentioned that there were 261 maternal deaths between 2019 and 2021 in the UK, which is concerning given international comparisons. Madders argued for day one rights to paternity pay, maternity leave, shared parental leave, and bereavement leave, citing complexities discouraging families from utilising these benefits.

  • Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

    I am delighted to participate in this debate on statutory parental bereavement leave and pay for those whose partners have died in childbirth, an issue with personal resonance. Two weeks' paid bereavement leave for parents who lose a child up to the age of 18 is crucial, as well as extending it to those experiencing stillbirths. Additionally, I support the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 by Stuart C. McDonald. However, my private Member's Bill would provide two weeks' paid bereavement leave for all who lose a close family member due to the debilitating impact of grief.

  • Theo Clarke Con Stretford and Urmston

    Theo Clarke, as chair of the APPG for birth trauma, highlighted the issue of fathers suffering from birth trauma when their partners experience difficult childbirth. He shared personal stories of fathers who suffered PTSD after witnessing traumatic births or losing a partner or baby during childbirth. Clarke called on the Government to include birth trauma in the women's health strategy and ensure perinatal mental health services are available across the UK, among other measures.

Government Response

Kevin Hollinrake

It is a pleasure to see Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair, Mr Sharma. The Minister congratulates Darren Henry for securing today's debate on parental bereavement leave and pay. He acknowledges the devastating impact of losing a child and expresses his commitment to improving support available for those experiencing such loss. The Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill was introduced by Kevin Hollinrake in 2018, coming into force in 2020, providing eligible parents with two weeks of paid leave to grieve the loss of their child. Since its introduction, this entitlement has supported thousands of parents during one of the most devastating periods of their lives. The Minister outlines that each year approximately 10 cases are affected where the mother dies shortly after birth and that these fathers or partners typically qualify for shared parental leave given they have completed six months continuous service with their employer necessary to qualify. He also discusses other areas such as carer's leave, neonatal care, predictable working patterns, and tipping Bill which enhance worker's rights during this Parliament. Despite the small number of people affected (100 mothers losing their lives in childbirth annually), only 10 cases would be covered by the proposed legislation that Henry and Chris Elmore are considering. The Minister expresses his willingness to meet with them to discuss further details.

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