The leave is applicable when the pregnancy ends before the 22nd week, in line with the definition set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). To claim the leave, applicants must submit a medical certificate from a gynaecologist- which, for privacy’s sake, will not disclose clinical details- within two working days of returning to work. The certificate may be used by both partners.

Additionally, the government will provide free psychological support through Positive Parenting Malta. Employers are obliged to treat such cases with strict confidentiality.

The measure also addresses other related gaps identified during public consultations. For example, mothers who previously delivered a stillborn baby after 22 weeks- and had no entitlement to leave- will now receive full maternity leave under the amended law.

Moreover, hospital wards have been reorganised so that women who miscarry are no longer placed alongside families who have just given birth- a situation frequently described as distressing. To this end, Early Pregnancy Units have been established at the national hospital (Mater Dei) and at Gozo General Hospital to offer a more dignified, supportive environment.

Finally, the reform broadens the scope of bereavement support: parents who lose a minor child will receive seven working days of paid leave instead of the previous one or two days. This benefit, too, will be fully funded by the government.

Parliamentary Secretary Ellul acknowledged that while no legal measure can heal the pain of such losses, this legislation aims to ensure that affected couples are not left alone — giving them time, support, and respect in moments of personal tragedy