I ask after the Duchess of Sussex revealed in a newspaper column that she lost her second baby to miscarriage this summer.
Writing in the New York Times, Meghan describes the moment she realised she was miscarrying her baby under the headline ‘the losses we share’.
The question is, was Meghan right to share such a deeply personal and private experience? Because she could have kept it private – and we’d never have known.
Instead the revelation has made headlines in all mainstream – and not so mainstream – media, thrusting Harry, Meghan and Archie back into the public eye they’ve tried so hard to hide from this year. So, was Meghan right to speak out about her miscarriage?
Was Meghan right to speak out about miscarriage?
Less than 12 months ago the Duke and Duchess of Sussex famously quit the UK, turned their backs on a role in one of the world’s most prominent families and started a new life on a remote Canadian island in pursuit of privacy and away from the public eye.
Yet I do think Meghan was right to speak out.
Having lost my second – and third – baby to miscarriage too I know what she says is quite right: ‘despite the staggering commonality of this pain, the conversation remains taboo, riddled with (unwarranted) shame, and perpetuating a cycle of solitary mourning’.
The truth is the loss of a baby doesn’t go away, no matter when that loss occurred or how many healthy babies you go on to have.
Meghan’s confession has sparked a much-needed conversation, catapulting the issue into global world headlines and shining a light on a topic too often swept under the carpet, which can only be a good thing.
Once the initial hype has died down I’ll be really interested to see the difference the voice of such a high profile figure can make – and the impact it can have on the charities and people working to support the one in four mamas who will suffer a miscarriage. Because the more losses we share, the better.
What do you think? Was Meghan right to speak out about her miscarriage?
Interesting topic and I think it’s a personal decision to talk about it. Some of us do, some don’t. Hopefully her words will bring comfort to others to know they aren’t alone.
As I am fortunate in never having a miscarriage, I can’t say whether Megan was right or not, if it has helped others then she was right #dreamteam@_karendennis
Yes, she was totally right to speak out. I am not a fan of her or many of the royals, but I do feel for her having gone through this, and am glad that she uses her raised platform to bring greater awareness of this issue. It affects so many people and yet is brushed under the carpet so often.
Meghan was totally within her rights to speak about her loss. She is a wonderful and important role model especially for young women, who should always be empowered to voice their pain, experiences and openly discuss taboo female issues x x #DreamTeamLinky
I think if it was her choice then she had every right to articulate her experience. Royal or not, she is a significant figure and I hope her message inspires others to not be afraid to discuss their miscarriages and lost babies. Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
I think sharing in the most is a good thing especially if it supports others. Thanks for raising the topic #kcacols
I think anything that normalises talking about it would be good – for support for people going thru it, for people not to feel uncomfortable when trying to offer support, to dispell any negative emotions beyond grief. #KCACOLS
I’m not sure this is a “right” or “wrong” situation. Its a deeply personal thing that she felt might help others know they aren’t alone by sharing. I think thats wonderful but it also would have been totally understandable had she chosen not to. #KCACOLS
I definitely think that miscarriage needs to be talked about more and not hidden away. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
I think it is brilliant that she has spoken out it needs to become normal to talk about miscarriages. Having said that when it happened to me the last thing I would want to do is announce it to the world, what she has done is exceptionally brave. #KCACOLS