Why I am opposed to soap operas and TV shows using 'fake' miscarriage as a storyline?
Some may think I am being a tad too sensitive speaking out about this issue, but this is why I disagree.
Miscarriage is often a hidden agony.
Unless you have announced to the world that you are pregnant or have a visible pregnancy bump, it's actually quite hard to tell those around you that you have lost a baby, they didn't even know existed.
It's also very hard to prove a loss has even happened....I mean not many people would want to see would they?
So of course I understand why a script writer may leap to the conclusion that this is an ideal storyline to cover a fake pregnancy, however for those of us who have lost a child through miscarriage it's a slap in the face!
Miscarriage is a taboo subject... I hope with the work our charity is doing it's becoming less so, but it is currently a difficult subject for many people. To regularly see TV shows using fake miscarriages as light entertainment, could make people question genuine losses.
We support thousands of women and families each week and they are so scared to open up about the pain they have experienced...
They fear other people's reaction.
They fear their pain and their loss not being recognised.
They fear their baby may not be seen as a child they longed for, and may just be seen as a medical incident.
Do we really want to add in another fear?
'Will I be believed if I share about my loss? '
I think not!
So as the CEO of The Mariposa Trust (Sayinggoodbye.org), or maybe more importantly as a mother who has lost 5 children through miscarriage, this is my plea to the EastEnders script-writers and any other shows....
Please stop and think before you include topics such as this.
Miscarriage can change lives forever.
Miscarriage can destroy families.
Miscarriage is a baby dying!
If you would like to take a glimpse into the real world of loss, watch Helen's story. She bravely shares about losing 14 babies on her walk to motherhood.
(Photos courtesy of pixabay)
Zoe Clark-Coates is one of the founders and CEO's of the Mariposa Trust. The Saying Goodbye division offers support and national remembrance services for anyone who has lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in early years.
Twitter @SayinggoodbyeUK
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Website: www.mariposatrust.org & sayinggoodbye.org