Paid Miscarriage Leave debate in Commons Chamber

Paid miscarriage leave will be debated by MPs in the House of Commons Chamber following a campaign by Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley.

On Thursday, March 17 at 2pm, MPs from across the UK will be given the opportunity to discuss introducing paid leave for parents who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks.

The Backbench Business Debate is set to last three hours giving all parties the chance to have their say on the policy.

After the debate, MPs will be asked to vote on a motion calling on the UK Government to introduce paid miscarriage leave.

In total, 30 MPs – including nine Conservatives – have supported the debate and expressed their intent to speak in it.

Last week, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley led a debate on the issue in Westminster Hall.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:

“I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for hearing my application and granting time in the main chamber to debate this important issue.

“Miscarriage can be a traumatic time for expectant parents and securing this debate will send a message to them that we are taking this issue seriously.

“The fact that so many MPs have already committed to speaking in the debate shows that there is a strong feeling across all benches that paid miscarriage leave is something the UK should be looking to adopt.

“I hope the UK Government will listen to the arguments put forward not only from opposition MPs but from their own side as well and will finally commit to introducing paid miscarriage leave.

“On Friday, my private members’ bill is scheduled to have its second reading so the UK Government will have no excuses for not stepping up to the plate and introducing paid miscarriage leave.”