Every parent who loses a child should have the time and financial support to grieve — just as parents are supported when welcoming a child. UK law provides only 2 weeks statutory parental bereavement leave (often unpaid), leaving parents to return to work far too soon after unimaginable loss.

We call on the government to amend the law so all parents who lose a child, regardless of age, receive statutory leave and pay equal to maternity/paternity leave. This would give bereaved parents the time, dignity, and support they need to grieve. Society recognises the birth of a child as life-changing — it must also recognise child loss as equally profound. In the UK, maternity leave can be up to 52 weeks, yet bereaved parents currently get only 2 weeks. This is not equality — it must change.