Rosanna Brown from near Waterlooville, Hampshire, is speaking publicly about her experience undergoing a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) to raise awareness and improve support for others facing similar circumstances. In 2023, Brown was advised to end her pregnancy with her son William after he was diagnosed with Chaos syndrome, a rare and life-threatening medical condition. Continuing the pregnancy would have posed risks to both mother and child.
Brown has identified insufficient training among healthcare professionals regarding medically-advised terminations as a significant challenge during her experience. She notes that the terminology used in her medical documentation—describing her loss as a “late miscarriage” rather than a TFMR—contributed to feelings of isolation and prevented her from openly discussing what had occurred. According to Brown, the stigma surrounding abortion terminology makes it difficult for those undergoing TFMR to access community support and properly process their grief, as many choose to conceal the true nature of their loss.
Statistics indicate approximately 5,000 women annually are offered a TFMR, a figure exceeding the numbers who experience stillbirth and neonatal death. Jane Fisher, chief executive of the ARC Charity, emphasized the importance of using accurate terminology, stating it helps parents acknowledge their experiences and work toward reducing stigma surrounding this particular type of loss. Without proper terminology and support, Fisher noted, healthy grieving becomes considerably more difficult.
Both the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care indicated they provide comprehensive support, counselling, and mental health services for women undergoing medically-advised terminations. Earlier this year, Brown and her husband welcomed a daughter, though they maintain their connection to William through memorial practices. In advance of Baby Loss Awareness Week, Brown has published a guide titled The Silence Of TFMR to assist others navigating similar circumstances.
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