Urgent Call for Improved Miscarriage Care Across Canada

In a groundbreaking editorial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), health professionals are calling for significant improvements to the care provided to individuals experiencing miscarriage in Canada. The authors argue for the establishment of dedicated early pregnancy assessment clinics, emphasizing that these facilities could deliver essential support during and after the traumatic event of a miscarriage, a situation that affects approximately one in five pregnancies in the country.

Current practices often leave patients seeking help in emergency rooms receiving inadequate care, known as “suboptimal.” The CMAJ highlights a crucial disconnect between the medical community's perception of early pregnancy loss as a straightforward issue and the profound emotional and psychological toll experienced by affected individuals.

Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Toronto's North York General Hospital and one of the authors of the literature review accompanying the editorial, stresses the importance of offering compassionate, patient-centered care that acknowledges the grief, guilt, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder that can linger long after a miscarriage.

These clinics would not only focus on the physical aspects of care but would also provide the emotional support needed during such a deeply personal loss. “Referring patients to specialized early pregnancy assessment clinics is critical,” Tunde-Byass advises, as these facilities could significantly improve outcomes for those affected by miscarriage.

Despite the existence of some dedicated clinics, such as those at North York General Hospital, their adoption across the healthcare system remains limited. The CMAJ report reveals that many individuals, especially those in rural areas, often find themselves without access to such services, with “pregnancy assessment services” being described as a “pipe dream” for many Canadian families.

As conversations around maternal health continue to evolve, experts emphasize that creating a more integrated and supportive healthcare system for those experiencing miscarriage is not just beneficial but necessary. This reform could help countless individuals navigate their grief with dignity and compassion, making the journey a little less daunting. With increasing awareness and advocacy, there is hope that significant advancements will soon be made to address this critical aspect of women’s health in Canada.