‘Meghan’s powerful message will help break real taboo in society’

BABY loss charities have praised the Duchess of Sussex for speaking about the “taboo” subject of miscarriage, noting that her deeply personal account would help others “enormously.”

Sophie King, a midwife at the charity Tommy’s, said the Duchess’s honesty about her own experience would send a “powerful message” to others who have gone through similar trauma.

Clea Harmer, chief executive of stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands, said the Duchess had summed up the pain of miscarriage perfectly, adding: “The sad reality is that stigma surrounding pregnancy loss and baby death leaves many parents feeling isolated, so it helps enormously when someone in the public eye speaks out as it lets everyone affected know they are not alone.”

The Duchess, 39, revealed in an essay in The New York Times that she lost her unborn, second child in July.

Welcoming her candour, Dr Christine Ekechi of the Royal College of

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said that miscarriage “remains a taboo subject”. She said: “It is important that we remove any stigma or shame surrounding this issue and adequately support families during this time.

“We welcome open discussion about miscarriage and encourage women to share their experiences, where they feel comfortable to do so.” Ms King echoed the Duchess’s observation that it was something “experienced by many, but talked about by few”.

She added: “One in four pregnancies ends in loss, but it ’s a real taboo in society, so mothers like Meghan sharing their stories is a vital step in breaking down that stigma and shame.

“Meghan’s essay praises the bravery of parents who share their stories, and those who prefer to grieve privately can still find comfort and connection in reading about others’ experiences.

“Her honesty and openness send a powerful message to anyone who loses a baby: this may feel incredibly lonely, but you are not alone.”