Ending a wanted pregnancy for medical reasons (TFMR) is one of the most difficult decisions a family can face, often accompanied by grief, and complex medical and emotional needs. This training prepares healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and support staff to respond with skill and compassion. Participants will learn about fetal and maternal health conditions that may lead to this decision, explore available birthing options, and understand the barriers families may encounter in accessing care. The course emphasizes trauma-informed communication, compassionate presence, and ways to honor and remember the baby. Through practical strategies, participants will gain the tools to support grieving parents and their families with dignity, respect, and emotional safety.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify common fetal and maternal health conditions that may lead to ending a wanted pregnancy. 2. Describe available birth options and recognize how access may be impacted by legal, medical, and systemic barriers. 3. Demonstrate trauma-informed communication strategies to support families with empathy and respect. 4. Recommend memory-making and connection-building practices that validate grief and promote healing.
Lessons:
1. Understanding TFMR or Ending a Wanted Pregnancy 2. Birth Options and Postpartum Recovery 3. Supporting Grieving Parents with Compassion 4. Honoring the Baby and Creating Memories 5. Healing, Continued Bonds, and the Role of Care Providers Certificate:
By completing and passing this course, you will attain the certificate Ending a Wanted Pregnancy.
Learning Credits:
Continuing Education Units 1.0
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Kiley Hanish is a neurodivergent occupational therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, with a master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California. Following the stillbirth of her son, Norbert, she co-created the Emmy-nominated film Return to Zero and co-founded RTZ Hope, a nonprofit supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss. She is dedicated to ensuring bereaved parents receive compassionate care and the support they need to navigate grief with hope.
