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The first study exploring women's experiences of peer support following a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) highlights the profound isolation, misunderstanding and stigma women experience and the importance of peer support.
The research, titled "Being seen, heard, witnessed and acknowledged" and published in the Journal of Reproductive Health, was led by Heather Robinson with Ellie Vowles and Fiona Lobban from Lancaster University, Áine Aventin from Queen's University Belfast and Paul Marshall from the University of Liverpool.
The loss of a baby during pregnancy is a distressing event for women and their families. For some expectant parents, the loss follows a diagnosis of a fetal anomaly, sometimes incompatible with life, or a risk to the mother's health, leading to the often heart-wrenching decision to end their pregnancy. Also referred to as termination for medical reasons (TFMR), this experience affects 4.6 per 1,000 births across Europe and is associated with extreme distress, grief and emotional trauma as well as stigma and isolation.
The researchers held six online focus groups with women living in Great Britain who had experienced TFMR in the past 10 years.
Lead researcher Robinson said, "Bereavement following a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) represents a distinct and often isolating form of grief. Many people find themselves without adequate understanding or support, which can contribute to prolonged negative impacts on mental health and well-being."
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