Scotland is set to become the first country in the UK to publish
a miscarriage patient charter, giving women clear information
about the care and support they can expect from the NHS.
The charter, commissioned by the Scottish Government and
developed in partnership with baby loss charities Tommy's, Held
In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, sets out the
rights and entitlements women should receive during and following
a miscarriage.
It builds on the Scottish Government's Delivery Framework for
Miscarriage Care, which is changing the way in which NHS Boards
support women — ensuring they are supported after a first
miscarriage, rather than after three.
Women across Scotland should be able to access private spaces in
hospitals, progesterone treatment where clinically appropriate,
and compassionate, culturally competent bereavement support with
additional improved information available online and in printed
patient leaflets in 18 languages including BSL and audio formats.
Public Health and Women's Health Minister said:
"Miscarriage is devastating, and for too long women have not had
the care and support they deserve. That is changing. Scotland
will become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage
patient charter, meaning women know exactly how they will be
supported by health services following their loss.
“This charter is a landmark moment — it tells women clearly what
they should expect from their NHS, and it holds services to
account for delivering it. Scotland is leading the way, and I am
proud of the progress NHS Boards, and our charity partners have
made together."
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy's, said: “The care and
support offered to women after a miscarriage in the UK has for
too long been inconsistent and inadequate.
“We welcome the commitment to change that for women in Scotland,
and we're delighted to have worked with the Scottish Government
to create its charter for miscarriage care.
“We will continue to push for similar improvements across the UK
and for the roll-out of Tommy's Graded Model of Miscarriage Care,
which promises women support and care from their first
miscarriage rather than only after their third.”
Background
The interim patient charter was developed in partnership with
Tommy's, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association
A Patient Charter for
Miscarriage Care In Scotland
The Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland was
published in February 2025. Miscarriage care in Scotland:
delivery framework - gov.scot
NHS inform pages – Miscarriage | NHS inform
Patient information leaflets:
I think I'm having a
miscarriage: leaflet - gov.scot
After a miscarriage -
gov.scot
Miscarriage: dads and partners -
gov.scot
Scotland's Memorial Book for pregnancy and baby loss prior to 24
weeks is administered by National Records of Scotland and is free
and voluntary - The Memorial Book - National
Records of Scotland (NRS)
