Failed IVF should mean time to grieve not simply going back to work.
A significant change to employment rights has been announced that will recognise unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers as a form of pregnancy loss.
From April 2027, women and their partners who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, including an unsuccessful IVF embryo transfer are set to have a legal right to up to two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave.
For people going through IVF, a failed embryo transfer can come after months or years of treatment, difficult decisions, physical and emotional strain, and enormous hope.
Yet until now, there has been no specific statutory right to time away from work following an unsuccessful embryo transfer.
But the leave will be unpaid.
For someone already facing the financial pressures taking time away from work without pay may not be an option.
The impact of a loss can affect your wellbeing, relationships and your ability to work and people should be able to access support when they need it.
This is an important recognition of the impact of failed IVF and pregnancy loss and we will continue to follow the legislation as the detail is developed.