March 2, 2017
Image via Shutterstock
Planned Parenthood is stepping up with a fresh program designed to assist women navigating the challenging experience of miscarriage.
Just recently, Ava Reynolds shared her emotional journey of miscarriage with a popular parenting blog, aiming to shed light on the financial burdens associated with such losses and highlight the essential role of organizations like Planned Parenthood in providing support.
After diving into the details, we uncovered the Pregnancy Loss program that Planned Parenthood has rolled out to assist women facing the heartache of miscarriage. “For years, we’ve been addressing miscarriage care since we serve many women in early pregnancy. However, we recognized the need to standardize our approach and ensure consistent care throughout our clinics nationwide,” explained Dr. Emily Carter, Associate Medical Director at Planned Parenthood in the Midwest.
Back in 2009, Dr. Carter’s team began exploring how to formalize miscarriage management. After extensive research, they officially launched the program in 2014, expanding its reach to numerous locations across the U.S. They hold regular conference calls to ensure their medical and emotional support remains effective for women in need.
Planned Parenthood offers comprehensive information and support to women experiencing the loss of a child. Image via Planned Parenthood.
“We take pride in our patient-centered approach. When a woman faces a miscarriage, we empower her to choose the path that feels right for her,” Dr. Carter remarked. The uniqueness of the program lies in its emphasis on tailoring the experience to the patient’s needs. “Does she wish to wait and see if the miscarriage resolves naturally? Or does she prefer to address it immediately? We discuss various medication and surgical options, ensuring she feels at ease,” she elaborated. “While a miscarriage may not always be a medical emergency, it can trigger significant emotional distress. Many women feel they missed out on vital psycho-social support in a hospital setting. We prioritize holistic care, offering counseling and pregnancy loss resources.”
There are several noteworthy distinctions between Planned Parenthood’s miscarriage program and what one might encounter in a hospital. “If a woman arrives unsure that she’s miscarrying, we can provide immediate care on the spot. There’s no need to wait for days or book an additional hospital appointment,” Dr. Carter noted. “Additionally, considering that half of all pregnancies are unplanned, if a woman is miscarrying from an unintended pregnancy, we can offer her birth control options that same day. This may not be readily available in a hospital environment.”
For the healthcare professionals at Planned Parenthood, guiding patients through the entire process is paramount. “We also assist them in navigating the complexities of insurance, and we offer no- and low-cost options for those without coverage,” Dr. Carter explained. “Every woman, regardless of where she seeks care, deserves compassionate support from a trusted provider.”
Interestingly, many people are unaware that when patients utilize their private insurance at Planned Parenthood, they contribute to the organization’s ability to offer no- and low-cost care to others. “So not only are they receiving expert reproductive health services, but they are also supporting a vital cause,” Dr. Carter added.
For further details on Planned Parenthood services available in your area, check out their website, and if you’re interested in more about home insemination, you might find it helpful to read the terms and conditions at Intracervical Insemination. You can also explore the offerings of Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits, and for a deep dive into pregnancy options, UCSF is an excellent resource.
In summary, Planned Parenthood’s new program is a commendable initiative aimed at providing holistic support to women experiencing miscarriages, focusing on personalized care and emotional wellness. Through both medical treatment and counseling, they are committed to addressing the unique needs of each patient, making a meaningful difference in their journeys.