Call for more supports from employers for parents who lose a child by early miscarriage

Dr Keelin O' Donoghue's research found that some 85% of bereaved parents found it difficult to return to work.

Employers should introduce more supports for parents who lose a child through early miscarriage instead of waiting for a State scheme, a leading obstetrician has said.

There is no statutory leave scheme linked to miscarriage before 24 weeks gestation. It is estimated a quarter of pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Some 85% of bereaved parents found it difficult to return to work, research led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Cork University Maternity Hospital and University College Cork, found.

She will outline her findings at an inspiration leadership evening hosted by Kinsale and District Lions Club in the town on Thursday. 

Former naval captain Marie Gleeson will also speak at the same event on resilience and decision- making in challenging environments.

“People were so awkward,” one person said of their colleagues. “The same people that had congratulated me just avoided me and ignored it completely which really hurt." 

Another person said: “I had two weeks signed off and only took one week as I felt under pressure to return.” 

One woman said: “Something needs to be offered for men too. We had a number of pregnancy losses and this loss hit him hard.” 

Marie Gleeson will discuss her personal experience of miscarriage at the inspiration leadership evening hosted by Kinsale and District Lions Club in the town on Thursday.

Prof. O’Donoghue said: “Pregnancy loss at any time can have a physical impact on the pregnant woman, and can have emotional and social impacts on the woman and her partner.” 

People reported taking days, weeks or months off.

“More people would have taken time off work if they could because some felt they had to return to work before they were ready,” she said. “A majority of people found it really difficult to return to work.” 

The research was commissioned by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth under the last government. 

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Prof. O’Donoghue urged employers not to wait for the new government to act.

“Statutory leave is a bigger thing and is important because it shows societal recognition of pregnancy loss," she said. "But we don’t necessarily have to wait for that to make small changes in our own workplaces." 

Trade unions have also advocated for this, she added, while UCC and CUMH are looking at ways to better support their staff.

Most people surveyed told their colleagues but found this “extremely difficult” and some faced “unkind or unaccommodating managers”. Some 77% took time off work, mainly sick leave.

Tickets for Thursday's event are available at KinsaleLionsonline.