Definition:

Spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage before viability, generally before 20 weeks

Miscarriages happen much more frequently than is commonly imagined for they are often not known about by those other than the immediate family and are rarely mentioned unless the pregnancy has continued to such an extent that it is physically obvious to outsiders. Nevertheless, they can be highly traumatic for parents who had every expectation of a successful pregnancy. It is particularly distressing for the mother who not only carries the foetus but very often is aware that all is not well before the miscarriage occurs. In keeping with past tradition, Orthodoxy does not have any form of mourning ritual, whereas the Reform recognize that the parents may need to give expression to their hurt. In Britain the foetus is legally the property of the hospital where the miscarriage takes place, and is disposed of by the hospital authorities. No funeral takes place, therefore, but some Rabbis will conduct a service at the home of the parents if requested. Special prayers have been written for those who have experience a miscarriage … Some parents may wish to follow the custom … regarding a stillbirth, of giving a special additional name to a subsequent child.

Sources:

• From Faith & Practice by Rabbi Jonathan Romain, pages 70-1
• “Prayers After a Miscarriage or On the Death of an Infant”, Seder HaT’fillot, page 422

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