Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has applied for debates in Westminster to continue her campaign to introduce paid miscarriage leave.
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, however, under current legislation, workers are only entitled to bereavement leave following a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The SNP MP hopes to explore the policy proposal further in Westminster Hall and Adjournment Debates.
Some UK companies have already adopted paid miscarriage leave, offering paid leave for between seven and 14 days for people who experience miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy.
Other countries, including New Zealand, have written similar provisions into law and in September 2021 Australia became the latest country to adopt paid miscarriage leave.
A decision on which debate applications have been successful will be made on Tuesday 22nd February 2022.
Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:
“I am campaigning for paid miscarriage leave to introduce a baseline protection for workers.
“While I welcome the announcements of private companies who have gone above and beyond statutory requirements, it is clear that too many workers are not protected when they experience miscarriage.
“Miscarriage is a loss, not an illness, so it is unacceptable that many workers have to resort to taking sick leave or annual leave in order to take time to grieve.
“I believe the UK Government should introduce paid miscarriage leave as part of their proposed Employment Bill.
“Our petition has attracted more than 37,000 signatures to date showing the strength of feeling among members of the public and has attracted support from every party in the House of Commons.”