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In part two of her conversation with host Dr. Nathan Fox on the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Ariana Huselid shares what life has looked like after undergoing a medical termination. While part one shared her difficult decision to end a wanted pregnancy, this follow-up episode focuses on Ariana’s grief, the challenges of returning to normal life, and how she found purpose in sharing her story.

Ariana’s Story

During Ariana’s pregnancy, screening tests and diagnostic tests revealed a severe fetal anomaly that impacted her baby’s health and left no chance for her baby’s life. The medical condition was incompatible with survival outside the womb, and Ariana’s decision for medical termination was made out of care.

Navigating Grief After the Heartbreaking Decision of Medical Termination

Ariana describes the time following her son’s prenatal diagnosis at 18 weeks gestational age as some of the most emotionally difficult of her life. At five months post-procedure, she explains that the weight of grief never fully disappears, it just shifts. There are more difficult days like Mother’s Day and her original due date. Everyday reminders of the life she had planned for her baby boy were deeply painful. Her story highlights how baby loss is not only a deeply personal experience but also a traumatic event with lasting emotional effects.

Sharing her Decision as a Healthcare Professional

One of Ariana’s most difficult moments was figuring out how to tell people about her pregnancy loss while knowing the stigma surrounding medical abortion, even in the case of fetal abnormalities. After initially sharing her pregnancy on social media, she made the choice to speak openly about the outcome to avoid questions later. Ariana shared, “I was realizing in the days after getting this diagnosis, even though I feel confident in my decision and I’m around and surrounded by a community, people who I know would support my decision, telling people…There is still such a fear of judgment. And if it’s hard for me to say that in my position, I can’t even imagine what it would be like for other people who don’t feel like they have that privilege or don’t feel like they’re in a community that would be supportive of them.” In sharing her decision, she discovered that breaking her silence was empowering and an important coping strategy in the healing process. Her post abortion support and resources were detrimental to her healing. After a termination medical procedure, support from others and groups can help with women’s mental health.

Reducing the Stigma Around Termination for Medical Reasons

Ariana hopes that sharing her story will reduce the stigma associated with termination for medical reasons. While she felt supported by her immediate community, she also felt ashamed. Her experience as a physician reminded her that even well-educated, well-supported individuals can struggle to speak openly about pregnancy complications and the decision making process that follows.

Support Systems That Helped

In the months after her loss, Ariana found comfort in connecting with other people who had also gone through termination for medical reasons. She shared, “This helps break the silence and it allows women to feel heard and validated in their experiences.” Online forums, virtual and in-person support groups, and care from her healthcare team helped in her healing process. She emphasizes that while grief is isolating, no one should feel alone. Being acknowledged by others and having social support was meaningful to her. Ariana highlights how important it is to center women’s experiences when discussing reproductive care and pregnancy termination.

Raising Awareness and Advocating for Change

By telling her story, Ariana hopes to raise awareness of the realities of termination for medical reasons. She emphasizes that these are not easy decisions; they are personal and difficult to make. Her story urges health professionals and community members to approach termination for medical reasons with empathy and understanding.

Learn More

To hear Ariana’s full experience, listen to both parts of her interview on the Healthful Woman podcast. For compassionate care and support, contact Carnegie Imaging for Women in New York through our online contact form.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!