✏️ Revamped: Maternity Leave After Miscarriage in Germany
Extended Maternity Leave Granted After Miscarriage: New Legislation Allows Women Additional Time Following Loss
In a groundbreaking move, the German government has expanded maternity leave rights for women experiencing a miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy. This legislation, passed in January 2025, was effectively implemented on June 1, 2025.
📊 Context
Prior to this change, maternity leave only applied to women who had reached the 24th week of pregnancy or if the child weighed at least 500 grams[3][4]. However, due to the emotional and physical strain a miscarriage can cause, many women found it challenging to obtain sick leave[4].
Now, the maternity leave duration varies based on the gestational age at the time of the miscarriage:
- 13–16 weeks: 2 weeks of maternity leave
- 17–19 weeks: 6 weeks of maternity leave
- 20–23 weeks: 8 weeks of maternity leave[3][5].
It's worth noting that this legislation does not apply to miscarriages before the 13th week[2][4].
📝 Behind the Change
The driving force behind this policy change was a determined woman, Natascha Sagorski, who experienced a miscarriage in 2019[1]. Faced with the difficulties in obtaining sick leave, Sagorski took action. She launched a petition titled "Maternity Leave After Miscarriage: Every Woman's Right"[2] and drove the issue forward on the political level[1].
Her efforts paid off when the bill was passed in the Bundestag in January 2025[2]. The changes in maternity leave policy were a significant step forward in supporting women going through a difficult time[1].
💭 In Her Own Words
📺 Speaking Out
Many notable figures have spoken openly about their own experiences with miscarriages, contributing to destigmatizing the conversation around this topic[6]. These include Hollywood stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Chrissy Teigen, and Megan Fox, as well as singer Jax and midwife Zohre Ceylan, who are actively discussing the topic on social media[2][6].
[1] KNA, epd, dpa
[2] Tagesspiegel
[3] IKK Südwest
[4] Press release IKK Southwest
[5] Federal Centre for Health Education
[6] Instagram accounts of Jax and Zohre Ceylan
A science-backed legislation was implemented in June 2025, providing health-and-wellness benefits to women experiencing a miscarriage of a kind used by the German government, through an expanded maternity leave policy. This policy change was driven by a determined advocate, Natascha Sagorski, who herself had experienced a miscarriage in 2019 and campaigned for women's rights in health-and-wellness, particularly in women's health.
