A LEADING baby loss charity is calling on the Government of Jersey to extend legal protections for parents after a miscarriage – following the UK’s decision to introduce statutory bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks from 2027.
Jo Nash, founder of Philip’s Footprints, welcomed the move by the UK Government to amend the Employment Rights Bill.
She said Jersey should follow suit and ensure that all forms of pregnancy loss are formally recognised in law.
“Philip’s Footprints are absolutely delighted to see the UK news regarding protected bereavement leave for pre-24 week pregnancy loss,” she said.
“The amendment to the UK Employment Rights Bill will ensure recognition of what we already know and understand – that any pregnancy loss should be supported – and will also help break down the taboo that still surrounds miscarriage.”
Her comments come after Jersey last year introduced two weeks of unpaid parental bereavement leave for parents who lose a child under 18, including in cases of stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy.
A Government grant was also introduced to help cover lost wages during this time and the costs of a funeral.
The founder of the Jersey-based charity added: “It has always been our hope that this would be just a starting point for our Island and that in time all pregnancy loss and grief would be recognised in Jersey.
“We [would] welcome our Government taking the next steps to bring our Employment Law in line with the UK at the very least, or to go even further, to ensure all who need support receive it.”
Ms Nash continued: “There is no sliding scale of grief – even an early pregnancy loss can be a deeply traumatic experience – and those experiencing such a loss deserve to have that loss recognised and supported.
“As a compassionate society, we should provide that support and breathing space that parents need to begin to process such a loss, both mentally and physically.”
When asked by the JEP whether Jersey would consider introducing protections for early pregnancy loss similar to those announced in the UK this weekend, Social Security Minister Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said that the Government would continue to review the law.
“Statutory bereavement leave, which includes stillbirth from 24 weeks, has been part of Jersey’s Employment law since March 2024. This was an important first step in supporting parents during this difficult time,” the Reform Jersey poltican said said.
“Although parental bereavement leave is unpaid, the Government of Jersey has a payment scheme to provide financial support to parents who are employed or self-employed for lost wages during this period.
“I would also encourage employers to consider introducing this type of provision into their workplace policies.”
Deputy Feltham added: “I want to ensure that women who have experienced miscarriage are well supported in Jersey.
“The law will continue to be reviewed by the Women’s Health Advisory Group, and we will monitor the developments in the UK to ensure that appropriate support is available in Jersey.”
Philip’s Footprints, which Ms Nash founded in 2008 following the loss of her son Philip, supports bereaved families in Jersey through memory boxes, monthly support groups, professional counselling, and pregnancy wellbeing initiatives.
“As a charity, each year we donate over 100 early loss memory boxes (up to 12/14 weeks) and a few second-trimester loss memory boxes, so there is very much a need for support,” Ms Nash added.
The comments come after a report published by Public Health last year revealed that many women feel abandoned following miscarriage due to long waits for counselling, lack of follow-up care, and inadequate clinical settings.
The Women’s Health and Wellbeing Assessment read: “Data collected from members of the public through online surveys, focus groups and public consultations highlighted shortcomings in mental health support for those experiencing miscarriages.
“The emotional toll of miscarriage was repeatedly emphasised. Participants described feeling abandoned and traumatised by their experiences.
The 59-page document continued: “Support following miscarriages was seen as minimal, with many reporting long waits for counselling, with some waiting up to six months before being seen by services like Talking Therapy.
“The absence of structured follow-up care pathways left women to navigate their grief
and recovery on their own.”
To address these gaps, stakeholders proposed a range of changes, including the setting up of private counselling spaces, expanding access to clinics, offering more flexible appointment times, and improving training for healthcare professionals to provide trauma-informed care.
The JEP asked the Health Department in January for its response to the concerns raised in the report – particularly regarding delays in counselling, lack of facilities, and perceived shortcomings in support – as well as whether it would consider implementing the recommendations outlined in the report and whether there were any immediate plans to improve miscarriage care and support services. The department has yet to respond.
