Miscarriage Leave Will Be Available As Of January 2026

A new package of social measures aimed at supporting families experiencing pregnancy loss or the death of a minor child has been announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul.

The initiatives, which stem from a national consultation on Miscarriage Leave, will come into force holistically on 1 January 2026.

The introduction of Miscarriage Leave will grant seven days of fully paid leave to women who miscarry before 22 weeks of pregnancy and to their partners, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.

The cost will be covered by the government, and the entitlement applies to full-time, part-time, private-sector, and public-sector, workers with part-timers paid pro-rata and self-employed individuals compensated at the median wage.

A medical certificate from a gynaecologist will be required, though without clinical details to protect privacy.

Additional measures include full maternity leave for mothers who deliver a stillborn baby after 22 weeks, the opening of Early Pregnancy Units at Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital to provide dignified care, and an extension of bereavement leave to seven days for parents who lose a child under 18.

The government will finance the additional leave across all employment sectors.

Ellul emphasised that while these measures cannot erase such profound loss, they signal national solidarity and ensure affected families receive time, privacy, and psychological support.

#MaltaDaily