Using Narrative to Empower, Educate, and Make Sense of Reproductive Loss

Abstract

Reproductive loss is a common, yet often silenced, event that can disrupt the lives of all those involved. Individuals who experience reproductive loss must find ways to make sense of and cope with what has occurred. One way to do this is through crafting and sharing their stories. In this chapter, we argue that narrative has the power to transform people’s understanding of loss, their identity in relation to loss, and their relationships with those around them. Using narrative as a tool for sense-making and educating others is empowering for both the person telling the story and for those with whom it is shared. We offer evidence-based suggestions for empowering storytellers to share their stories and for storylisteners to encourage such disclosures.