5 Min Read
Pregnancy is often painted with strokes of joy and anticipation, but for many, the journey introduces a less talked-about sorrow—pregnancy loss. As someone who has endured this silent grief, it’s evident that education and support are sparse where they’re needed most.
Data from The Harris Poll’s 3rd annual State of Maternal Health report illuminates these often unseen tragedies and underlines the immense need for change.
The Stark Reality of Stillbirth and Miscarriage in the U.S.
Each year in the United States, over 20,000 babies are stillborn. Shockingly, less than 2 in 5 U.S. women (39%) are aware of this heart-wrenching statistic. Awareness tends to be slightly higher among younger women aged 18-34, at 50%, compared to 34% of those aged 35 and older. Moreover, women who have used a midwife for pregnancy are significantly more likely to be informed, with 53% aware of this fact, compared to 38% of those who used an OBGYN for pregnancy.
When it comes to miscarriage, the misconception runs even deeper. More than three-quarters of women (78%) either underestimate the prevalence of miscarriages or have no idea how prevalent they are — with 36% incorrectly believing that less than 10% of pregnancies end this way and 42% who aren’t sure about the statistics at all.
This data reveals a gap in knowledge that could potentially impact the emotional and medical support systems available to expectant mothers. Reflecting on my own experience with pregnancy loss, the isolation I felt during such times was magnified by a lack of education on this topic and a societal veil of silence.
The Need for Equal Paid Leave for Pregnancy Loss
The survey reveals a strong consensus toward equality in workplace bereavement leave. An overwhelming 76% of women believe that employers should offer the same amount of paid leave to parents who suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth as they do for those on maternity or paternity leave.
This sentiment is even stronger among ethnic groups, some of whom disproportionately experience these losses, with 84% of Black women and 80% of Hispanic women advocating for equal leave, compared to 73% of White women.
When seeking leave or support at work after a loss, the lack of provision may not only be frustrating and disappointing but can also intensify and prolong the emotional labor of healing.
Proper Support Post-Loss is Needed to Improve Experiences
The data also touch on the profound difference support can make. Among all women who have been pregnant, 14% say that their pregnancy/birth experience would have been improved if they had received support following a miscarriage or stillbirth. This percentage is among all women who have been pregnant, including those who didn’t experience loss – it would likely skyrocket if we isolated those who have actually suffered from these losses, underscoring a critical gap in the continuum of care.
Interestingly, the age of the women is tied to their perception of the importance of this support. Those between the ages of 18-44 are more than twice as likely as those ages 45+ to report that their pregnancy/birth experience would have been improved if they were provided support after a miscarriage or stillbirth (22% vs. 10%). This disparity suggests that younger women may be more aware of the mental and emotional support needs related to pregnancy losses, or perhaps they experience and report their emotional and psychological needs differently than older generations.
Advocating for Better Education & Support
These statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent millions of untold stories, including mine. The journey of pregnancy, for many, includes paths of loss and mourning that are seldom acknowledged. As we move forward, it’s imperative that we foster an environment of openness, educating ourselves and others, and advocating for policies that recognize all outcomes of pregnancy. By acknowledging the full spectrum of pregnancy experiences and pushing for supportive measures, we can bring solace to countless women and their families, and ensure a compassionate, comprehensive approach in both medical and professional communities. With awareness and dialogue, we can challenge the status quo and pave the way for healing and change.
If you or someone you know has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, please consider checking out the below resources for information and support.
- Star Legacy Foundation
- March of Dimes
- Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
- The Cooper Project
- Push Pregnancy
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll April 23-28, 2025 among 4,170 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 2,370 are women, of which 1,597 are/have been pregnant and 1,583 have given birth. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact The Harris Poll.
