Scotland is set to become the first nation in the UK to publish a dedicated Miscarriage Patient Charter, giving women and families clear, accessible information about the care, treatment and support they are entitled to receive from the NHS during and after a miscarriage.
Commissioned by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with leading baby-loss charities Tommy’s, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, the charter outlines the minimum standards of compassionate, clinically appropriate and culturally competent miscarriage care across Scotland.
The new charter builds directly on the Scottish Government’s Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care, which has already transformed practice across NHS Boards. Unlike previous UK-wide norms, where women were typically offered enhanced support only after experiencing three miscarriages, Scotland’s approach ensures women receive appropriate support after their first miscarriage.
The charter establishes a clear set of rights and expectations so every woman, regardless of location or circumstance, understands the care she should receive.
The Miscarriage Patient Charter sets out essential support and entitlements, including:
Private and dignified spaces in hospitals
Women experiencing miscarriage should have access to private rooms, rather than being placed in busy clinical areas or maternity settings that can heighten distress.
Progesterone treatment where clinically appropriate
Women who meet clinical criteria will be able to access progesterone treatment, reflecting growing evidence that it may help reduce the risk of miscarriage in certain cases.
Compassionate, culturally competent bereavement support
NHS staff will be trained and supported to provide empathetic, sensitive care, taking into account cultural, linguistic and personal needs.
Clear, accessible information in multiple languages and formats
Patients will receive improved online and printed information, available in 18 languages, including British Sign Language (BSL) and audio formats, ensuring women and families from all backgrounds can understand their care options.
The Scottish Government says the charter is designed to ensure personalised, respectful care and to address long-standing inequalities experienced by women during miscarriage.
It aims to provide:
- clarity on what support women can expect
- consistent standards across all NHS Boards
- enhanced awareness and confidence among healthcare professionals
- improved access to emotional and practical support services
Charities involved in its development emphasised that many women still report feeling dismissed, uninformed or unsupported during miscarriage. The new charter represents a major step to ensure every woman feels heard, respected and cared for.
The charter aligns with Scotland’s wider Women’s Health Plan, which is improving care across reproductive, menstrual, maternal and perinatal health.
Recent national developments include:
- greater investment in women’s health services
- improved training for healthcare staff
- new digital and in‑person support tools
- targeted action to reduce inequalities in access and outcomes
Together, these measures aim to create a more compassionate and equitable women’s health system.
Jenni Minto, Scottish 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."
By publishing the UK’s first miscarriage charter, Scotland is positioning itself as a leader in women’s reproductive healthcare. The model is expected to inform wider UK discussions on miscarriage support, bereavement care and early pregnancy services.
The charter will be made available publicly, offering women, partners and families clear guidance on their rights and the standards they can expect when seeking care.
Image credit: iStock
