Here at Stylist, we talk a lot about the state of women’s healthcare in the UK. Between unsatisfactory miscarriage and pregnancy loss care, years-long waiting lists for endometriosis and PCOS diagnoses, HRT shortages and an increasingly dangerous childbirth landscape, we know only too well the vagaries and challenges of receiving adequate support.

How is it that, in 2024, we still don’t know how many miscarriages and stillbirths happen every year? Why are we still expected to have three consecutive losses before anyone bothers to do any investigations? And why are so many of us left to cope with the physical and mental ramifications alone? 

In short, miscarriage and pregnancy loss care in the UK isn’t in great shape, and we’re asking what anyone is going to do about it. A few weeks ago, Wes Streeting, the health secretary, launched a nationwide appeal for feedback about the state of the NHS, and inspired by his move, we’ve decided to do the same. We want your stories and experiences of navigating the healthcare system and seeking support for pregnancy loss.  

We’re looking for experiences that cover the whole gamut of pregnancy loss – don’t worry if your story is short, undramatic or niche. This is about collecting real women’s experiences of a system under pressure, and our intention is to call attention to what’s really going on. It’s usually only the really scary stuff that makes the news headlines, but it’s often more mundane issues that can have an impact on our wellbeing. 

Once we’ve received enough stories, we’ll compile an Every Loss Counts report to present to the government. The Department of Health and Social Care has already made a bold move in showing its willingness to talk directly to the public, but it’s vital that women’s voices are heard on matters that specifically impact our health. 

We know that there are plenty of excellent people working in the NHS who are running brilliant departments and services – and we want to hear about those experiences too. Is your GP an amazing advocate? Tell us about them. Perhaps you had a positive experience with a great midwife team or were given life-changing advice on how to deal with the aftermath of a loss.

Whatever your experience, please share it with us. You can do so by emailing us at everylosscounts@stylist.co.uk. 

Images: Getty