Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534411
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 16 APRIL 2025 A United Stand on Miscarriage Leave in Malta Showing empathy, recognising loss, and allowing time to grieve while supporting women and their families through miscarriage emerged as the unanimous sen- timent at the Miscarriage Leave National Conference. This first national consultation aimed to open an honest dialogue about the needs of those affected by pregnancy loss, with the goal of shaping a compassionate and re- sponsible policy framework. One of the most striking insights was the stark gap between official statistics and lived realities. While records indicate around 300 miscarriages annually in Malta, the true number may be closer to 1,000—many of which go unreported. What made this consultation particularly noteworthy was the broad consensus among diverse voices: members of the medical profession, psychologists and psychiatrists, women's organisa- tions, employer and trade union representatives, and Members of Parliament from both Government and Opposition—an extraordinary alignment we're not accustomed to. The emotional testimonies of Yaz- mine Farrugia Helledie and Melanie Kelly brought a powerful silence to the room. Their personal stories al- lowed everyone present to feel and understand the depth of loss—the lifelong pain of a dream ending be- fore it even began, of losing a loved one who never had the chance to be named. Across all panels and professional contributions, one shared convic- tion stood out: miscarriage leave should apply to both prospective parents. This should not be clas- sified as sick leave, but rather as a distinct, specialised form of leave. It must be paid time off that ac- knowledges the physical recovery needed and the emotional journey of grief—a chance to pause, reflect, and begin healing. Important questions were raised: How long should miscarriage leave be? Who should benefit from it? How should it be communicated to an employer? Participants also delved into the importance of privacy. Many women choose not to disclose ear- ly-stage pregnancies, which makes miscarriage difficult to report in traditional systems. The discussion stressed the need for a framework that respects confidentiality while safeguarding employees' wellbeing in the workplace. A clear message echoed through- out the event: we must cultivate a work culture and a society that truly understands and supports the need to step away from work in times of loss. A society and work- place that do not only allow space for grief—but honour it. Leave following a miscarriage should not be a luxury. It should be a right. A right for couples facing the painful end of a chapter they never imagined would close so suddenly. This leave is a recognition that miscarriage is a real loss—one that carries profound grief, both visible and invisible, but always deeply felt. This consultation marks the begin- ning of an important and sensitive journey—one that will unfold through a series of national discus- sions in the coming weeks. THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Yasmine Farrugia Helledie, Dr Alberto Vella, Dr Steffi Borg Bartolo Yasmine Farrugia Helledie, Dr Alberto Vella, Dr Steffi Borg Bartolo Josef Vella, Dr Matthew Brincat Hon. Graziella Attard Previ MP Hon. Ivan Castillo MP Prof Yves Muscat Baron