UCC to become first university in Ireland to introduce pregnancy loss policy

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue: 'We are proud that our own university has developed this pregnancy loss support policy, and that it is leading the way for other higher education institutions and other organisations within Ireland, and beyond, to do similar.' File picture: Gerard McCarthy

University College Cork (UCC) is to become the first Irish university to launch a pregnancy loss policy to support staff and their partners affected by miscarriage.

While pregnancy loss affects approximately one in every four pregnancies, there are currently no statutory leave entitlements for pregnancy loss before 23 weeks.

The introduction of the policy at UCC follows the publication of research on pregnancy loss in workplaces which called for a new model of care for people who experience miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage.

The PLACES project recommended the introduction of a statutory right to paid leave for pre-viability pregnancy loss, regardless of the gestational stage or the reason. Commissioned by the Department of Children, it found that most women need leave from work if they experience miscarriage.  

The amount of leave needed depends on a variety of factors, including the physical impact, the gestation of the pregnancy and personal factors such as history of recurrent loss or emotional response to the loss. It also found there is still a "level of secrecy and stigma" attached to pregnancy loss, especially earlier losses and termination of pregnancy.

It found workplaces, and particularly managers, could often be "uninformed about pregnancy loss and ill-equipped to support workers during these experiences". This very often led to negative workplace experiences. 

"These experiences include a lack of empathy and support; harsh treatment regarding absence or workload; insensitive comments and questions and distressing exchanges in the workplace." 

Following the introduction of the policy, staff at UCC will now be entitled to 10 leave days per 12-month calendar year should they experience pregnancy loss.

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The university will also be rolling out training for managers to help them respond sensitively to employees affected by pregnancy loss.

The policy was jointly developed by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG) led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, UCC People and Culture, and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit. Professor Keelin O’Donoghue said the aim of the PLRG is to lead national research that influences policy and practice related to pregnancy loss.

“We are proud that our own university has developed this pregnancy loss support policy, informed by findings from the PLACES project, and that it is leading the way for other higher education institutions and other organisations within Ireland, and beyond, to do similar,” she said.