Colleen Long and Rebecca Little, co-authors of "I'm Sorry for My Loss," bring personal stories and research on pregnancy loss and reproductive care in America. They explore the emotional and political dimensions of these topics, emphasizing the need for better conversations around miscarriage and abortion rights. The duo discusses racial disparities in maternal health, societal stigma, and the urgent call for improved healthcare access. They also highlight the shifting political landscapes affecting women and underscore the importance of empathy in supporting those grieving loss.
Pregnancy loss, often shrouded in silence, necessitates open discussion to combat societal misconceptions and political ramifications surrounding reproductive rights.
The authors advocate for a nuanced understanding of pregnancy loss, challenging stigmas by sharing diverse personal experiences and calling for empathetic discourse.
Deep dives
Understanding Pregnancy Loss
Pregnancy loss is a common yet often hidden experience, affecting more than a third of pregnancies through miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. This experience is compounded by societal fears and misconceptions, especially as political landscapes evolve. Women are increasingly apprehensive that the emotional complexities surrounding pregnancy loss will be misunderstood and politicized. The need for informed discussions around this subject is crucial, particularly in the context of reproductive rights.
Personal Experiences Inform Public Discussion
The authors, Rebecca Little and Colleen Long, embarked on the project during the pandemic, driven by their own profound experiences with pregnancy loss. They sought to create a public discourse around the topic, feeling that their unique perspectives could help illuminate the broader reproductive care landscape. Their book includes interviews with experts and those who have also experienced loss, aiming to convey a sense of solidarity and shared understanding. This collective storytelling emphasizes the intricate nuances of reproductive health and the necessity for society to approach the topic with empathy and openness.
The Impact of Societal Labels on Victims
A major barrier to discussing pregnancy loss is the societal dichotomy between 'good victims' and 'bad victims.' Good victims are often viewed as those who suffer losses due to uncontrollable circumstances, while bad victims include those who opt for abortions under varying circumstances. This labeling reduces the complexity of individual experiences and perpetuates stigma around certain reproductive choices. The authors aim to challenge these stereotypes, elevating discussions to acknowledge the emotional, medical, and socioeconomic factors that all contribute to the decision-making processes surrounding pregnancy loss.
Political Consequences and Societal Change
The political landscape significantly impacts women's reproductive rights, especially following major legislative changes such as the Dobbs decision. This shift has placed an emphasis on understanding the human cost associated with legal restrictions on reproductive care, illustrating the interconnectedness of various rights issues. The authors note how individual stories reflect broader trends in political ideology and voting behavior, showcasing that many women seek more comprehensive care options that span beyond traditional abortion discussions. A more holistic approach is needed to foster an understanding that encompasses all dimensions of reproductive health.
A sizable number of pregnancies end in a loss, whether to miscarriage, still-birth or abortion. But until very recently, discussions of these losses were kept out of public—and policy—conversations. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Colleen Long and Rebecca Little, co-authors of the book, “I’m Sorry for My Loss: An Urgent Examination of Reproductive Care in America.” They share their own stories of pregnancy loss, and what they learned about the range of experience from dozens of interviews for their book. They also offer their insights about why reproductive rights remain popular, even when the politicians who champion them aren’t.
Want more A Word? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/awordplus to get access wherever you listen.