What was the PLACES project about?

PLACES | Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth commissioned this project to examine the workplace experiences of people coping with pregnancy loss. Informed by international best practice, the project put forward recommendations for formal or informal support mechanisms that could be introduced in the workplace to better support working people experiencing pregnancy loss. Support mechanisms may include the provision of leave, flexible working arrangements, or other workplace policies. These recommendations, in turn, will help to inform Government policy, including the development of legislation if required.

The project primarily focused on people who experience pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks’ gestation, as people who have a pregnancy loss after 24 weeks’ gestation (termed a stillbirth, which includes babies born weighing ≥500g and who show no signs of life) can avail of full maternity leave and paternity leave entitlements.

What was involved?

• PHASE 1: Scoping study. Literature review and comparative analysis of international models with expert/key informant input
• PHASE 2: Qualitative/quantitative research. Survey and in-depth interviews to capture the workplace experiences of employees who have experienced pregnancy loss
• PHASE 3: Final output. Plain English report that presents findings and gives recommendations for next steps.

Who was involved?

Project team

Dissemination activities

Project status

Completed: September 2022 to December 2023

Further information

Please email: 

• Marita Hennessy PhD: maritahennessy@ucc.ie
• Ruadh Kelly-Harrington: rkelly-harrington@ucc.ie