Motherhood Lost ─ A Feminist Account of Pregnancy Loss in America

Nearly 20% of all pregnancies in the U.S. end in miscarriage or stillbirth. Yet pregnancy loss is seldom acknowledged and rarely discussed. Opening the topic to a thoughtful and informed discussion, Linda Layne takes a historical look at pregnancy loss in America, reproductive technologies and the cultural responses surrounding miscarriage. Examining both support groups and the rituals they create to help couples through loss, her analysis offers valuable insight on how material culture contributes to conceptions of personhood. A fascinating examination, "Motherhood Lost" is also a provocative challenge to feminists and other activists to increase awareness and provide necessary support for this often hidden but critically important topic.

Linda L. Layne is Hale Professor of Anthropology and Director of Graduate Studies on the Department of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.