Why Your Miscarriage Might Be Labeled “Abortion” on Medical Records

If you’ve seen the word “abortion” on your medical records after a miscarriage, you may have felt confused, hurt, or blindsided. When you wanted your pregnancy, that word can be especially painful to read.

In this episode of If Only We Talked, we talk about what this medical terminology means, why it can cause distress, and why the language used to describe pregnancy loss matters.

Understanding the terminology on your records

This episode explores the terms “spontaneous abortion” and “missed abortion,” and how they are used in medical records relating to miscarriage. We discuss the difference between clinical terminology and the meaning a patient may hear when reading those words.

Why language matters after pregnancy loss

Medical language is not always the language we use to describe our own experiences. For a woman grieving a wanted pregnancy, seeing an unexpected term in her records can add confusion to an already painful season.

This conversation makes space for that experience, with patient dignity and compassionate communication at its heart.

A conversation that goes back decades

In the video, we discuss a 1985 medical journal letter raising concerns about this terminology and explore how the language surrounding pregnancy loss has shifted since.

What to do if you see this language on your records

If a term in your records feels confusing or does not reflect your understanding of what happened, ask your doctor to explain what it means in your specific situation. You can also share how the wording affects you and ask what options are available if you believe something in your records is inaccurate.

You deserve clear explanations and compassionate care as you navigate your loss.

A note about this episode

This episode is about medical terminology and patient dignity, not the abortion debate. It offers general information and a conversation about shared experiences, not personalized medical advice. Always talk to your own doctor about your specific situation.

If this resonated with you, you’ll find more resources for this season of healing at Miracle Mama Mindset.

You are not alone in this, Miracle Mama.