About one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. RHAP believes that everyone experiencing early pregnancy loss should be able to access high-quality, patient-centered care within their own communities. Too often, people experiencing a miscarriage are sent to the emergency room for treatment, which can be frightening and traumatizing during what is often a difficult time. Miscarriage can be an emotional process for women and their families, and it is critical that they receive care in settings that are familiar and safe. That is why, with the right training and support, family physicians and other primary care providers can treat early pregnancy loss in their own clinic settings.

Research has shown that people achieve better health outcomes when they engage in shared-decision making with their clinicians. We believe that women, in conjunction with their clinicians, should be able to choose the treatment they feel is best for them. As RHAP’s medical director, Dr. Linda Prine, wrote in a blog post from a few years ago: “Miscarriage is so common, it should not be marginalized.  There are rarely times that ER care is needed… I would really like to see family medicine step up to the plate and ‘own’ miscarriage care.” RHAP is committed to improving access to all three forms of miscarriage care within primary care: expectant, medication management, and uterine aspiration. Through our research, clinical resources, and the Miscarriage Care Initiative, we work closely with family physicians and other primary care providers to ensure that they have the tools and resources to offer all three options to their patients. Please take a moment to check out our miscarriage management resources.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is celebrated in several countries around the world on October 15.  Learn more about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and Remembrance Day here. We know that early pregnancy and infant loss can be a very difficult time, and there is support available. First Candle is a great resource for grieving families, and they have a toll-free 24/7 hotline for anyone to call. Please call 1-800-221-7437 to speak with a counselor.