What Happens if My MP or a Member of the Government Has a Baby? The Antenatal Support They Receive (or Don’t)

What Happens if My MP or a Member of the Government Has a Baby? The Antenatal Support They Receive (or Don’t)

On Monday, January 27, Edinburgh MP Ian Murray and his wife Miriam welcomed their second child, a baby girl, into the world. Born at 7:48 AM in the comfort of their home, the new arrival may spark curiosity about what happens when an MP or a member of the government has a baby. How does their pregnancy unfold amidst the pressures of political duties? Do MPs, who represent their constituents at Westminster, receive the same level of antenatal support and rights as other expectant parents?

The reality is that pregnancy for MPs is often a balancing act—between parliamentary duties, public engagements, and the essential care and attention required for a healthy pregnancy. While the UK government has set in place various provisions for maternity leave and antenatal care for its citizens, MPs, too, are entitled to antenatal appointments and other rights. But, when it comes to actually providing the facilities and support for pregnant MPs or new parents within Westminster itself, there is still room for improvement. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when an MP has a baby, the antenatal care they receive, and the extent of the support—or lack thereof—offered to pregnant women and new parents in Parliament.

In the UK, the law affords all pregnant workers—including Members of Parliament—the right to antenatal care, time off for antenatal appointments, and maternity leave. MPs are entitled to the same maternity leave provisions as any other UK employee, with allowances for the care of their newborns after birth. However, there are some challenges that come with holding a public office during this period. For one, MPs are frequently required to maintain their duties in Parliament, which can sometimes leave little time for adequate antenatal support.

In addition to antenatal checkups and antenatal scans, MPs are expected to attend parliamentary sittings, participate in debates, and vote on important legislation. Balancing a full schedule with the demands of pregnancy can be overwhelming, which is why antenatal support and a flexible approach to parliamentary duties are so vital. Fortunately, MPs can apply for leave, but many choose to continue working through the later stages of their pregnancy.

While MPs do have the right to maternity leave, there’s a lack of clarity around the practicalities of this. Members can use their maternity leave to care for their newborns, but they are still technically responsible for their parliamentary roles. If they need to take extended time off, they are entitled to this under the same employment laws as anyone else, but maternity leave is largely based on their individual needs and political duties.

The Reality For Government Ministers

As for government ministers or senior politicians, the situation is a bit more complicated. Ministers, who play a more active role in government decision-making, may not have the same flexibility. Many high-ranking officials in the UK government don’t have a formal maternity leave policy. The demands of their roles can make it difficult to step back entirely for a prolonged period of time. Ministers, including those in charge of departments such as health, education, or justice, are expected to make decisions that impact millions of lives.

Some ministers take limited maternity leave but may still attend crucial meetings or oversee the work of their departments remotely. In some cases, a minister might request a temporary replacement, but this isn’t always a formal process. It largely depends on the specific minister’s circumstances and the availability of other team members to step into key roles temporarily.

2. Antenatal Support at Westminster: The Lack of Facilities for Pregnant MPs

Despite the legislative framework that ensures MPs are entitled to basic antenatal care and maternity leave, Westminster still lacks adequate support facilities for pregnant MPs or new parents. While the UK government is a leader in offering parental rights to employees, the infrastructure within Westminster to support expectant and new parents is outdated.

For example, there are few, if any, dedicated spaces for breastfeeding mothers. Although MPs may take their maternity leave, the reality is that once they return to Parliament, there are very few designated areas for pumping or breastfeeding in private. This lack of privacy and adequate support is something that new parents in Westminster must navigate, leading to unnecessary stress.

Some MPs have voiced their concerns about the lack of antenatal facilities in the workplace. In an institution where politicians are expected to remain at the forefront of public life and attend countless meetings, antenatal support should be comprehensive and readily available, especially for those MPs who are juggling their responsibilities with pregnancy.

For instance, when former Labour MP Laura Pidcock was pregnant, she publicly spoke about the absence of suitable support within Westminster. She mentioned how she had to navigate a male-dominated environment with little consideration for the specific needs of pregnant women. This is a sentiment echoed by other MPs who feel that antenatal care and maternity support for those with children could be much better catered to in the heart of UK politics.

3. What Happens When MPs Have Babies? The Strain of Returning to Parliament

After the birth of a baby, MPs often return to work soon after their maternity leave ends. This is due to the nature of their role, which can be difficult to temporarily delegate. While the maternity leave entitlement allows for time off, MPs are still required to attend sessions, vote on bills, and fulfil their role as public servants.

There’s little room for the traditional maternity care available to parents in many workplaces. For example, MPs don’t have access to dedicated antenatal yoga or pregnancy fitness classes offered through many employers, which can provide much-needed physical and emotional support. There’s also limited provision for pregnancy massage services or wellbeing initiatives in Parliament, which would support MPs during their pregnancy.

The busy nature of political life can mean MPs are expected to perform their duties even while recovering from childbirth. There is no antenatal massage programme or pregnancy support services available at Westminster that would allow MPs to relax or focus on their wellbeing during their recovery.

4. A Lack of Family-Friendly Spaces at Westminster

As we’ve seen, one of the biggest challenges for pregnant MPs and new parents in Westminster is the absence of family-friendly spaces. The lack of dedicated areas for breastfeeding or expressing milk is one example, but the broader issue is the lack of flexible spaces where new parents can rest, take care of themselves, and even bring their newborns to work when necessary.

The office of each MP may be furnished with basic facilities, but the House of Commons, which is the beating heart of UK politics, remains ill-equipped to address the specific needs of new parents. MPs, especially those with young children, would benefit greatly from spaces dedicated to family and health-related needs, such as parenting rooms, on-site childcare, or relaxation spaces designed specifically for parents who are juggling professional and family life.

Although some MPs may have private support at home, the reality is that Westminster remains a challenging environment for those balancing family life with public duty. Without sufficient resources and physical spaces to help, MPs often find themselves in a position where they must choose between family and their responsibilities in Parliament.

5. What Are the Solutions?

To truly support antenatal care for MPs and new parents in Westminster, the House of Commons must be equipped with updated facilities and a more family-friendly approach. This could involve:

Providing designated antenatal rooms for MPs to attend appointments or rest during pregnancy.

Offering more comprehensive support for maternity care and parental leave to ensure MPs don’t have to return to work prematurely.

Creating more family-friendly spaces, such as quiet rooms for breastfeeding or expressing milk.

Introducing antenatal support initiatives, like accessible antenatal yoga or fitness programs, to ensure MPs maintain their wellbeing during pregnancy.

By implementing these facilities, MPs would be able to focus on their health and their role as parents without sacrificing their political career. This would also send a clear message that the UK Parliament is truly supportive of antenatal care, allowing MPs to lead by example.

While UK MPs, like any other working parents, are entitled to antenatal care and maternity leave, the facilities and practical support available to them at Westminster remain limited. The lack of family-friendly spaces and services dedicated to antenatal care and parental support reflects a wider issue within UK politics—one that requires reform if MPs are to balance their family duties with their public ones. Addressing this gap will allow MPs to fully embrace their roles as parents, ensuring they get the support they need, just like every other parent in the UK.