Latest News
UCC launches Irelands first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for University staff
The first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for staff in an Irish university was launched today by University College Cork (UCC), marking a significant step forward in workplace wellbeing and inclusion.
The policy aims to provide employees with dedicated leave, resources and support they need following a pregnancy loss under 23 weeks. It outlines the entitlements, procedures and support mechanisms in place to assist both staff who are affected by pregnancy loss, and their partners. Staff are now entitled to ten leave days per 12 month calendar year should they experience pregnancy loss.
The policy was jointly developed by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, UCC People and Culture and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit and informed by the findings of the PLACES project report (2024) which was funded by the Department of Children, Equality and Disability.
Closing a Gap in Statutory Leave
Pregnancy loss affects approximately one in every four pregnancies. Currently, Irish law provides statutory maternity and paternity leave for pregnancy loss after 23 weeks (stillbirth or neonatal death), but no statutory entitlement exists for losses before this point.
The PLACES project—Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms—highlighted the need for better supports in these circumstances. The PLACES project is informing Government policy around statutory leave provision and is led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue with colleagues across University College Cork and the University of Galway.
Research informing action
“Our mission within the Pregnancy Loss Research Group is to lead national research which is relevant, and which can influence policy and practice regarding all forms of pregnancy loss, to ultimately enhance people’s experiences and outcomes. 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”, stated Professor Keelin O’Donoghue.
“In UCC our research informs our thinking and our actions. This landmark policy is intended to be a much-needed support for any staff member affected by pregnancy loss and will assist them in such a difficult time. We as a UCC community must work together to continue to ensure the wellbeing of all our staff UCC is firmly committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as set out in our UCC Strategic Plan," states Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC.
Supporting Staff and Leading Change
Research has shown that implementation supports are key to ensuring these policies are effective and UCC will be rolling out a comprehensive toolkit and training for managers to help them respond effectively and sensitively to employees affected by pregnancy loss.
“This important new policy arose following consultation with staff as part of our Athena Swan gender equality review process. We are delighted that this new policy is now in place and will provide dedicated and much needed support to colleagues who experience pregnancy loss. We hope that other universities will also adopt similar policies and benefit from our learnings here in UCC” stated Dr Avril Hutch, Director of EDI, UCC.
“This policy is part of a suite of family friendly and reproductive health policies which are offered to UCC staff. A broad range of supports are available to anyone who experiences pregnancy loss and their managers through our Staff Wellbeing and Development team. As People and Culture, we recognise the vital need to support staff and we believe this policy will greatly benefit our colleagues here in UCC” states Ashley Flaherty, Director of People and Culture, UCC.
Tara Woulfe, Parent Advocate, Pregnancy Loss Research Group at the UCC INFANT Research Centre said: "The launch of a dedicated pregnancy loss support policy sends a powerful message of support and compassion to the women of UCC and their partners. It calls for an end to any stigma or silent suffering following pregnancy loss. It's fantastic to see UCC paving the way and hopefully other universities and workplaces in Ireland will follow suit. Workplace support helps normalise conversations around pregnancy loss, which in turn helps people to feel less alone."