Trigger warning: stillborn babies and child loss
Recently, I’ve witnessed three mothers publicly criticized for sharing photos of their stillborn children on social media. These three grieving moms faced the harsh judgment of some truly insensitive individuals.
The negativity was evident in the comments below their heartfelt posts. One critic labeled a stillborn birth announcement as “inappropriate,” while another accused the parents of being “attention-seeking.” One particularly callous commenter even described a cherished baby as “gross.”
I feel compelled to address these hurtful remarks. If I could meet just one of these critics face-to-face, I would be tempted to express my frustration. However, since that isn’t feasible, let me shed some light on a topic you seem to know little about.
The World Health Organization reports that approximately 2.6 million stillbirths occur each year. That’s 2.6 million lives that deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. Yet you believe parents are somehow in the wrong for wanting to share their stories. As if you have any understanding of what it means to lose a child.
Let’s clarify something: your discomfort lasts how long? Until you scroll past the image? Or until you’ve spewed your negativity onto grieving parents? Your momentary discomfort pales in comparison to the lifelong pain these parents will endure.
Have you ever shared a photo of your child on social media? Perhaps a joyful announcement of their birth? If you have, how can you not feel compassion for these parents? If you disagree with their decision to publicly acknowledge their stillborn child, then perhaps you should reconsider your views.
Stillborn means STILL-BORN. This wasn’t the outcome these parents dreamed of when they first saw those two lines on a pregnancy test. They didn’t wish for this heartache. They wanted to celebrate a lively baby, not share a photo of their stillborn child. But this is their reality, and they are coping in the best way they know how.
If they had photos of their child alive, you can be sure they would share those instead. However, with only brief memories to hold onto, they share what they have left.
Stillbirth robs parents of so many precious moments—first cries, sleepless nights, birthdays, and milestones. So why would you take away one more way for them to honor their child? It’s attitudes like yours that perpetuated the stigma surrounding stillbirth for far too long. Thanks to parents like those I’ve seen recently, this topic is becoming less taboo. Remember, that’s 2.6 million lives that deserve to be acknowledged, and awareness cannot grow without sharing these stories.
For those who so casually throw around the word “gross,” I urge you to show some basic decency. Allow these parents to take pride in the brief life they created. Don’t kick them when they’re already down. If you can’t offer something kind, perhaps it’s time to use the unfollow button. Your negativity isn’t helpful to anyone.
It’s important to recognize that YOU are the outlier here. While most people are extending their heartfelt sympathies, your harsh words only expose your insensitivity. The love a parent has for their child transcends any negativity, and it cannot be diminished by your comments or by the tragedy of losing a child.
Please be kind, for you cannot fathom the heartache these parents are enduring.
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In summary, it’s crucial to foster compassion towards parents who experience stillbirth. Their stories deserve to be heard and honored, not silenced by judgment and negativity.
Keyphrase: stillborn photos on social media
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