About one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, but for a long time, there hasn’t been much support for parents who are grieving in Germany. This is particularly difficult for those who are trying to navigate the system in a language that isn’t their first.
Starting June 1, 2025, Germany will implement a new law that provides paid maternity leave for women who experience a late miscarriage between the 20th and 24th week of pregnancy. This change is significant because it acknowledges the emotional and physical challenges that women face during such a difficult time, even if the loss happens just before the usual time when maternity leave begins. For many, this law represents a significant step toward recognizing and supporting women during their time of grief.
For parents living abroad, this update is crucial. It can be challenging to know your rights, especially when reliable English-language information is scarce, and every situation appears unique. Whether you’re expecting a baby, have gone through a loss, or just want to stay informed for the future, this guide is designed to help you navigate these challenges.
We will examine who is eligible for the new miscarriage leave in Germany, the duration of this leave, the available payment options, and the application process through the health insurance system. Most importantly, we will explain why this change in the law is important not only for mothers-to-be but also for all families living abroad who need understanding and support during a difficult time.
What Is the New Miscarriage Leave Law in Germany?
Until recently, German law didn’t do much to help women who experienced a miscarriage before the 24th week of pregnancy. If a woman lost her baby before that time, even as late as the 23rd week, it wasn’t treated as a “birth.” As a result, she wouldn’t be eligible for maternity leave or the protections that typically come with having a baby.
That changed on June 1, 2025, with a new law expanding maternity protection rights to include miscarriages after the 13th week of pregnancy. This means that if a pregnancy ends between weeks 14 and 23, the mother is now entitled to paid leave, similar to what she would receive after a live birth. The law also ensures she gets support from statutory health insurance during this recovery period.
This is an important change. Previously, women in this situation had to depend on sick leave approved by a doctor to take time off. Now, the system recognizes the emotional and physical impact of losing a baby in the second trimester and offers support.
Germany has passed a landmark bill extending #maternity leave for women who have suffered a #miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy. Long overdue, this law recognises the trauma of pregnancy loss, providing optional leave for those who need it.https://t.co/7ro1m3URW6
— Center for Reproductive Rights in Europe (@ReproRightsEUR) February 17, 2025
Miscarriage in Numbers: Why This Law Is a Game-Changer
Every year in Germany, about 6,000 late miscarriages happen between the 13th and 24th week of pregnancy. This new law acknowledges the grief of many families. It also aims to improve care for parents at every stage.
For people living abroad, especially those with government health insurance, this new change provides much-needed clarity in a situation that was previously confusing and lacked support. It addresses an important issue in the law and guarantees that individuals who experience a miscarriage receive not just sympathy but also real, practical assistance.
🚨Big changes in #Germany starting June 2025🚨
— NEWSWORM.de (@newsworm_de) June 2, 2025
✅ #Maternity leave after #miscarriage
✅ Switch #electricity providers in 24h
✅ New #smartphone durability law
✅ Gas safety checks for #motorhomes
& more..
Stay informed & follow @newsworm_de for updates!https://t.co/3dmm6dvbkw
Who Is Eligible for Miscarriage Leave?
If you live and work in Germany as an expat, you might qualify for miscarriage leave under the new law starting in 2025, as long as you meet certain conditions.
A late miscarriage is defined in German law as one that happens after the 13th week of pregnancy. If this occurs, the mother is eligible for paid maternity leave to support her during this difficult time.
To access this benefit, you must also be:
- Enrolled in statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), which includes most salaried employees in Germany.
- Either employed or freelancing at the time of the miscarriage.
If you’re living and working in Germany and you have a regular job with a standard employment contract, you’re protected by the public health insurance system, no matter where you’re from.
If you are privately insured, especially if you earn a high income or are self-employed, you may not be guaranteed paid leave under this law. The federal government is still working out how private insurers will respond to this update, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider directly.
This update brings relief and legal clarity to thousands of expat women in Germany, many of whom previously had no idea whether they had a right to time off after a pregnancy loss. With this law in place, support is now not only available, but it’s a legal right.
How Long Does the Leave Last?
Germany’s new miscarriage leave law offers structured, time-based support depending on the stage of pregnancy at the time of the loss.
If the miscarriage happens:
- After 13 weeks of pregnancy, the mother is entitled to 2 weeks of paid leave.
- After 17 weeks, the leave period extends to 6 weeks.
- After 20 weeks, it increases to 8 weeks, aligning with protections granted for stillbirth.
The leave is designed to give time for physical recovery and emotional healing. However, it’s important to know that taking leave is optional. If a woman prefers to return to work immediately or after a shorter break, she has the right to do so.
This is from the Wiki for the Labour MP for Luton. Bereavement Leave for a miscarriage up to 24 weeks. And now Creasey and Co want to be able to abort up to term. Absolute freek show. https://t.co/zS1kUeXljf pic.twitter.com/iqsdE77zgG
— Hilton Holloway (@hiltonholloway) June 11, 2025
How Germany’s Leave Compares Globally
While many countries still don’t recognize miscarriage as grounds for paid time off, Germany’s 2025 reform puts it ahead of the curve. For example, the United States currently offers no federal paid leave for miscarriage. In contrast, Germany is now providing up to 8 weeks of paid leave for qualifying cases, a significant step in public health and family care.
This policy not only acknowledges the reality of pregnancy loss but also sets an international example of what compassionate maternity protection can look like.
How Does Compensation Work Under Statutory Health Insurance?
If you’re enrolled in Germany’s statutory health insurance system, you’ll receive full financial support during miscarriage leave, just as you would for standard maternity leave.
How Payment Works
Your total compensation comes from two sources:
- Your statutory health insurance pays up to €13 per day.
- Your employer makes up the difference, ensuring you receive your full net salary during the leave period.
The calculation is based on your average income from the past three months, including bonuses and regular allowances.
This setup ensures that expat employees with statutory insurance don’t lose income during a highly emotional and physically demanding time.
What If You’re Privately Insured?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Privately insured individuals, especially freelancers and some expats, might not be automatically covered. While private insurers may offer similar maternity benefits, coverage can vary widely.
If you’re privately insured:
- Check your policy for maternity or miscarriage coverage clauses.
- Contact your insurer to confirm what compensation (if any) applies.
- Consult a tax advisor or legal expert if you’re unsure how to proceed.
In short, statutory insurance unlocks full protection under this new law. If you’re an expat considering a move or switch in coverage, it’s worth factoring this into your decision.
Required Documentation and Steps to Apply
Applying for miscarriage leave in Germany may feel overwhelming, especially for expats dealing with it in a second language. But the process is more manageable when broken down into clear steps.
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
The first thing you’ll need is a medical certificate (ärztliches Attest) from your doctor or gynecologist. This certificate must clearly state:
- That a miscarriage occurred
- The week of pregnancy at the time of loss
Once you have it, submit the certificate to your employer as early as possible. This formally triggers your entitlement to maternity protection leave.
Step 2: Inform Your Health Insurance Provider
If you’re enrolled in statutory health insurance, you’ll also need to send a copy of the certificate to your Krankenkasse (health insurance provider). Most offer mail-in and digital options. Some may request an official form or additional ID details.
Step 3: Apply for Maternity Benefits
In some cases, you may be asked to fill out a separate benefits application, either through your insurer or via the Federal Social Security Office (Bundesversicherungsamt). This ensures that you receive the correct wage compensation during your leave.
If your employer manages the process directly with your insurer (as many do), you might not need to handle this part yourself, but it’s worth confirming.
Helpful Tips for Expats
- Keep digital and paper copies of every document you submit.
- If your documents are issued in English or another language, consider using a certified translator, especially if your health insurance provider doesn’t accept non-German paperwork.
- If you’re unsure how to proceed, don’t hesitate to call your insurance provider—they’re required to offer support, and many now provide English-language helplines.
Applying for miscarriage leave while managing emotional recovery isn’t easy. But with the right paperwork and a bit of preparation, the system is designed to protect and support you, even if you’re far from home.
Why Expat Parents Need to Know This Benefit
A miscarriage affects not just the mother, but also partners, children, and the whole family. When you’re away from home, with no extended family or familiar healthcare, the emotional burden can feel even heavier.
Germany’s new law on miscarriage leave helps families take time off to heal and cope with their loss. This paid time off is more than just a legal right; it shows that pregnancy loss is important and that grieving requires support, not silence.
The Hidden Impact: Why Time Off Matters
Research shows that around 60% of women experience significant emotional distress after a miscarriage, and many suffer long-term psychological effects if they aren’t given time to recover properly. For expat families, this risk can be even greater due to isolation and language barriers.
The leave gives women the chance to take a break and relax both their bodies and minds without feeling rushed to return to work. It offers time to attend follow-up doctor appointments, speak with mental health experts, or simply have space to cope and heal in their own way.
What About Partners?
Many expat partners don’t realize they, too, may be eligible for Elternzeit (parental leave) in the wake of a miscarriage. While this doesn’t come with automatic pay, it does offer job protection and the opportunity to be present, both practically and emotionally, during a time of loss.
Employers in Germany are also required to respect dismissal protection for women during their miscarriage leave, meaning you can’t be fired while on protected leave. This gives added peace of mind during an already vulnerable time.
For expat parents facing new challenges and strong emotions, knowing your rights is important and empowering. With this new law, Germany is making it clear: every family’s loss is valid, and every parent deserves time to heal.
Additional Resources and Support for Expat Parents
No one should have to navigate pregnancy loss alone, especially in a foreign country. If you’re looking for guidance, connection, or emotional support, Germany offers resources, including some specifically tailored for expats.
Where to Turn for Help
- Expat Support Groups
Look for local chapters of organizations like Expat Parent Frankfurt, English-speaking Mamas Berlin, or Munich International Parents, many of which offer private forums and meetups for sharing experiences around pregnancy and loss. - Counseling Services
Many cities have English-speaking therapists and grief counselors. Try directories like- www.therapists-in-germany.com
- BetterHelp (offers virtual counseling, including international support)
- Legal and Insurance Guidance
For questions about leave rights or navigating statutory health insurance:- Federal Ministry for Families
- Deutsche Sozialversicherung
- Make It In Germany — includes family and employment law sections in English
- Expat Forums & Communities
- Toytown Germany – active threads on health, family law, and insurance
- Reddit’s r/germany and r/expats – searchable advice and peer experiences
A Word of Encouragement
Even when the system feels unfamiliar, you are not without support. These resources can help you take your next step, whether that’s filing paperwork, talking to someone, or simply knowing you’re not alone. This new law is part of a larger initiative: providing every family in Germany, regardless of their origin, with the care and compassion they deserve.
Conclusion: Empowering Expat Parents Through Knowledge
Germany’s 2025 miscarriage leave law marks a meaningful shift for families, especially expat parents who have long struggled to navigate this deeply personal issue in an unfamiliar system.
Now, if you experience a miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy, you have the legal right to paid maternity leave, job protection, and support through statutory health insurance. The leave duration ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the timing of the loss. To access these benefits, you’ll need to notify your employer, submit medical documentation, and coordinate with your health insurance provider. And it’s not just about the paperwork; this time off gives families space to recover, reflect, and receive the care they need.
This law is helpful for anyone affected by loss, not just mothers, but also partners and families. It demonstrates that healing from emotional pain is crucial and that the legal system can be adapted to better meet the genuine needs of individuals.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with other expat families, your HR department, or within online communities. You never know who might need this information right now.
This law is more than a policy update; it’s a step forward in recognizing the emotional reality of miscarriage and the rights of grieving parents. Knowing where you stand and what support is available can make all the difference.
You’re not alone, and now, you’re not without rights either.
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