It is with great pleasure that I introduce this Annual Report, which marks the 25th anniversary year since The Miscarriage Association was founded.
I am sure that those involved 25 years ago would never have dreamt that so much would have been achieved. But they would be proud. Similarly, those who have become involved more recently probably cannot remember what it was like all these years ago. But I do.
I became a registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology in 1980, 28 years ago. At that time we, as junior doctors, admitted women with early pregnancy bleeding, diagnosed “spontaneous abortion” often on clinical grounds, took them to theatre and carried out a D&C. We took pride in doing it efficiently and getting them out of hospital and home as quickly as possible. But each time I did this, the looks in the eyes of the women who had lost their pregnancies told me this was wrong, but that was the way it was done. There was no-one to turn to back then for information or advice.
The Miscarriage Association came and educated us. It provided a source of help and support for the women and for the staff caring for them. The leaflets were wonderful, the telephone contacts invaluable. Their lobbying made people stop and think and it led to the changing of the nomenclature and the setting up of early pregnancy units to support women rather than just process them. They were the voice in the wilderness.
I am proud to have been involved in a small part in these achievements. I have officially been involved with The M.A. for at least 15 years but its influence on me, my thinking and my practice goes back longer. Happy anniversary M.A!
