Malta to Implement Seven Days of Paid Miscarriage Leave Starting January 1, 2026

New Miscarriage Leave Policy Takes Effect January 2026

The Maltese government has confirmed that a new policy granting seven days of fully paid miscarriage leave will come into force on January 1, 2026. This initiative is part of a comprehensive package of social measures aimed at supporting families experiencing pregnancy loss or the death of a minor child. The cost of this leave will be entirely covered by the government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, announced the details, emphasizing that the measures are designed to offer 'time, privacy, and psychological support' to affected families. The entitlement applies to women who miscarry before the 22nd week of pregnancy and extends to their partners, irrespective of marital status or sexual orientation. This includes full-time, part-time, private-sector, and public-sector workers, with part-timers receiving pro-rata payment and self-employed individuals compensated at the median wage.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be granted the miscarriage leave, a medical certificate from a gynaecologist will be required. Crucially, this certificate will not include clinical details to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. The leave is intended to be taken immediately following the miscarriage. Employers will receive specific guidelines to ensure cases are handled with respect, dignity, and strict confidentiality.

Broader Social Support Initiatives

The introduction of miscarriage leave is one of several reforms stemming from a national consultation on pregnancy loss. Other significant measures include:

• Full Maternity Leave for Stillbirths: Mothers who deliver a stillborn baby after 22 weeks of pregnancy will now be entitled to full maternity leave, addressing a previous anomaly where no leave was granted in such circumstances.
• Extended Bereavement Leave: Parents who experience the loss of a child under the age of 18 will now receive seven days of paid bereavement leave, an increase from the previous one or two days. This additional leave will also be fully funded by the government.
• Early Pregnancy Units: To provide more dignified care, Early Pregnancy Units have been established at Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. These units ensure that women who suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth are not placed in the same wards as women giving birth.

The government will also offer free psychological support to couples through Positive Parenting Malta, in coordination with the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights. Malta aims to be the first country globally where the government fully finances such an initiative.