title: Abigail's story.
abstract: Child death before term affects many parents. This article is the story of one of those circumstances, but quite a rare one. Revd. Daniel Richards talks of how his daughter Abigail grew to five months before it was discovered she had anencephaly. The article will discuss: Narrative of the situation: events and feelings. The excellent standard of care received by those present: despite difficult circumstances, the behaviour of the health professionals dealing with the situation was sensitive and compassionate The helpful/unhelpful things that are said and done--not simply by those working there, but that people everywhere need to know about how to approach situations with the sensitivity and care required. The holistic value of what it means to be empathetic. Basic encouragement to those seeking midwifery/healthcare that what they do is intrinsic to life and the gift of life.
authors.affiliation: University of Salford. d.m.h.richards@salford.ac.uk
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D000757:Anencephaly; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D012944:Social Support