AYR, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has called on NHS Ayrshire and Arran to take the Miscarriage Association’s pregnancy loss pledge.

By signing the pledge, employers commit to a higher pregnancy loss standard to ensure that employees going through what can be a very difficult time get the support they need.

Many parents have highlighted that due to the stigma associated with miscarriage and the lack of support available, they often feel they are unable to grieve adequately.

This week, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has written to all of Scotland’s health boards urging them to take the pledge and improve the support available for parents who experience miscarriage.

Mr Dorrans says that miscarriage is not an illness, it is a loss that can be traumatic for expectant parents and has a negative impact on their mental and physical health.

Through the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, the Miscarriage Association aims to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage by encouraging supportive work environments where employers show empathy and understanding towards people and their partners experiencing pregnancy loss.

“The Pregnancy Loss Pledge is a fantastic initiative by the Miscarriage Association which improves support for parents who experience miscarriage," Mr Dorans added.

“Miscarriage is not an illness so parents should not be forced to take sick leave to grieve their loss.

“I am backing the campaign to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage and would call on NHS Ayrshire and Arran to take the Pregnancy Loss Pledge."