Michelle Duggar Miscarriage

A miscarriage is always a loss, so I am sad that they are experiencing this. That said, having 20 kids is incredibly selfish - both for the kids as well as for the earth. And just because a person can 'afford' to overpopulate in no way means the earth can afford that overpopulation.

I support reproductive choice, and that includes the decision to have none, have one, or have twenty.

I am so sorry her baby could not stay. Just as I would be if it was her first, or second, or third. It was their beloved child, and I know their hearts are broken tonight.

A miscarriage is a sad event no doubt. But enough is enough. Be thankful for the blessings you have.

Oh, that does make me sad. I hadn't heard the news until I read your subject line.

I am of the camp that thinks that the Duggars are amazing and loving people, and I only WISH I could have half the Faith they have in God to see them through life.

Is God "teaching them a lesson?" He doesn't operate like that, but I DO believe that God knows what is best for us, and that in the end their family will be just as God intended for it to be. Perhaps He needed another angel with Him in heaven.

My thoughts and prayers are with them in this heartbreaking time.

What possible lesson could God be teaching them? They are kind-hearted and sincere people who seem to take care of and love every single one of their kids. Would he be mad about that? People are dumb and judgmental. That's no surprise.

I agree with the posters that say God doesn't teach lessons like that.

I was sad to hear the news.

O. is plenty for me...but if they want 20...that's THEIR decision.

I hadn't heard until I read your post. I think it is very sad and how dare people assume that this is God "teaching them a lesson." Just what lesson are they being taught? I think any child born into that family is lucky. They have so much love and Michelle seems so soft-spoken and genuine. It doesn't appear that she has let any of their fame go to her head or to the heads of any of her children. I was concerned when I heard she was pregnant again - I thought she might have a hard time after what she went through with L. Josie. Perhaps God has decided they shouldn't have any more children, but I certainly don't think he would use a miscarriage to try to "teach them a lesson."

Jo W., you could care less because you don't know them? How many people on this site to you know? So, obviously unless you know someone you could care less about their tragedy? Hmmm, no wonder kids don't learn sympathy, compassion or empathy!

This baby was just as wanted as their first, and it's just as devastating a loss. My heart breaks for them. No mother should who wants her baby should ever, ever have to endure a pregnancy loss.

I pray for those who don't have enough kindness in them to refrain from making hateful, critical comments at a time like this. Hopefully they're never in a position to be judged in such a way and never have to endure such a tragic loss.

I am heart broken for them.

I have a great deal of respect for that family.

They are a walk of life like none other I have seen before.

I became convinced how they chose to live was amazing. The kids are all well loved. Taken care of. And able to become productive within their community and surrounding areas.

The fact that they can stay self sufficient and not on any type of Gov't aid, is yet another reason people should really leave them alone.

They are being so nasty because they do not understand the Duggar's. It is easy to be nasty towards things you do not understand....Then learn about them and find out for yourself.

My heart breaks for her and the family. I was hoping they could finish off with a boy.....After they have had a well spring of girls:)

If one more is meant, it will happen. My mom got pregnant with my L. sister at 44 years old. AFTER BOTH of them had been fixed. Seven years after I was born... Strange things can happen...I hope she is able to pull through and be strong:)

While I would not choose to have that many children, and am a secular humanist, my perception is that if there is a God, He doesn't 'teach people lessons' like this. Life has its own lessons. There is no need to imply that holy judgment is the cause of a tragedy. How petty and mean and self-righteous.

Just as we are 'one and done' in our household (I've had three previous miscarriages) and aren't going to be supplying siblings to our son, it's their business what they choose to do with their fertility. Some people might think my husband's having a vasectomy is also a blight in the eyes of God, too. It all depends on one's perceptions...

Oh, I'm so sad to hear about her miscarriage. They are so hard to go through. As for God's will in this, yes, I do believe it is His perfect will that they go through this miscarriage. Otherwise, they wouldn't be going through it. It is an opportunity to rely on His perfect strength and comfort through this trial. Would someone ever say that a first pregnancy that ends in a miscarriage is a sign from God that they shouldn't have any? I seriously doubt it, unless they are in some unusual circumstance (or the person saying it is very cruel and ignorant). Most of the time, people in those situations would encourage them to try again, that sometimes these things happen. Why would people now have a different standard or heartlessness just because they don't like them having more children? It doesn't make sense, and is very self-centered to think that your opinion is somehow God's. If God doesn't want them to have more children, He won't let them conceive them. He is perfectly capable of closing wombs. Ask anyone who is infertile how much control they have over getting pregnant and you will see that this is true. And, this child is an eternal soul. Her pregnancy wasn't for nothing. An eternal soul is living because of this pregnancy. As hard as it is to endure the loss, it gives me great comfort to know my miscarried babies are with the Lord, living, not non-existant. Miscarriages happen to many, many women, if not most women. It has nothing to do with how many living children she has.

I too am saddened to hear of their loss and know 1st hand the pain they are suffering through. I do believe it is a common misconception that they are actively "trying" to conceive all the time. That is not the case at all. They are following their faith by not using birth control. They believe that if it is the Lord's will for them to have another child then they will become pregnant. If it's not the Lord's will for them to expand their family then they will not. They are not marking the calendar and tracking fertility. They are leaving everything up to God. I respect their strong faith and support them 100 %.

I was hoping after Josie, they would realize that it was not a good idea. I am sorry that she miscarried. They need to close that chapter and enjoy being grandparents. Lord knows there will be a million grandchildren!

This is the first I have heard about this. Like you, I don't care how you feel about them having 20 kids, it's hard to hear heartbreaking news like this. I'm so sorry and I'm praying for them.
The miscarriage rate after age 40 is extremely high and she definitely has some risks having had multiple pregnancies and c-sections. May God give them wisdom for the future decisions they must make regarding childbearing. Although it may not be prudent to continue childbearing after a certain age or with certain health risk factors, they have the freedom to do so because of the great country in which we live. Again, I'm so sad for the whole family for loss of a baby is tragic at any gestational age. Nurse Midwife Mom

I am so sorry for them - I like them very much, and they love all their kids. How sad

My cousin lost her baby at 20 weeks. By then you might be feeling the baby. It's heartbreaking. I don't wish them ill. I'm so sorry they've experienced this loss.

My miscarriage was not that far along, but it was devastating. My first pregnancy. First or 20th, I don't think it matters.

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I am sad to hear about the Duggars misscarriage. I had a misscarriage at 20 weeks when I went to get an ultrasound just like the Duggars. It really was devastating because I was already showing and feeling the baby move. This was between my 1st and second children, I now have 3 kids whose pregnancies were fine. It's been 5 years now and in hindsight I can see what the purpose of this was for me because it helped me to grow deeper in faith and hopefully it will for the Duggars too.

I don't believe God teaches us lessons like this. But He is there to share in our joys and carry us through our sorrows. He is a loving Father..not one with a magic wand zapping us to "teach a lesson".

Our bodies do amazingly great things and do amazingly sad things...some by our own doing, some by genetics and some simply by chance. Her body has carried 19 miracles...and sent a few other L. miracles back to our Father.

The Duggars are a wonderful family from what L. I have seen. They work hard, take care of each other, love each other and have such strong moral convictions and faith. I personally would never choose the life they have...but I applaud them for living their life the way they want.

Good luck and best wishes to the Duggar family during this sad time.

I feel terrible for any woman who experiences a miscarriage.

I do think he should get a vasectomy and focus on taking care of their 19.
This is her second miscarriage at leas(1st one before their oldest was born) and at 45, it has to be taking a toll.

I have an idea that they won't be having any more children...but what a great job they did at putting 19 wonderful children into our society...there should be more like them. I am truly sorry for their loss.

Oh, I am so sad to hear about their loss. It doesn't matter how many children they have. This must be so devastating.

My opinion is that as long as they want to keep having children, they have every right to try. They are able to support their family on their own, and I don't hear about their children getting into any trouble. In fact, they look happier and more well-adjusted than my own children! Only Michelle Duggar can decide when her body has had enough.

Bless 'em. Yep, devastating, but I do think that it's possibly a sign of "something".

It is sad, it is a shame, but they were warned that her body may not be able to carry this child due to the scarring in her womb from all the previous pregnancies. It is not something you can be prepared for but it is something she knew could happen. I wish them well, I hope the siblings all understand and take it well too and I hope they do stop trying because I do not wish to see her body give up on her due to the amount of pregancies she has had.

It can happen to anyone if you have 2 kids or 20 and its sad. She was 20 weeks and that's a long time imo and just horrible. I happen to love the family and I say if she wants 50 kids its her life and body and none of my business. I think they seem like nice, giving, caring people and it breaks my heart for them.

that is so sad to hear. i think that they need to back off the baby wagon. i know they put it in gods hands on if they will carry the baby or not. i think making rude comments is just sad. her and jim bobs children are so respectful and kind. they are great people for our nations future. i do think her body is just tired.

as for god teaching them a lesson i say this. if god was teaching lessons like this then i think some of us wouldnt have been born. there wouldnt be children born into poverty or abusive homes. no matter who you are a miscarraige sucks! i miscarried my second child at 13 weeks (i did not know i was pregnant i was on the shot after my daughter was born). i miscarried at work. i took it as a mixed blessing because my daughter would have been having 2 children 10 months apart. i told my husband a year later because i started going to the dr regulary.

I'm sorry that she had a miscarriage, but I truly believe it was her BODY telling her to stop having children. If she really wants to be a Mother... then she should stop putting her life and the life of future fetuses on the line with each subsequent pregnancy. I hope that they finally 'see the light' and start using the natural method birth control.

If she can't be a Mother to her children... then why have children?

People should realize it was God who gave her the ability to get pregnant. I may not have had that many children, but I certainly can't sit in judgment over what is right or wrong for other people nor should anyone else. I can only do what is right for me and my family.

People need to just stop being so cruel and spread more love instead of hate....seriously..............

Updated

People should realize it was God who gave her the ability to get pregnant. I may not have had that many children, but I certainly can't sit in judgment over what is right or wrong for other people nor should anyone else. I can only do what is right for me and my family.

People need to just stop being so cruel and spread more love instead of hate....seriously..............

While a misscarriage is completely devestating and sad, I think now is the time for them to revaluate what they are doing. I think several factors played a role in her losing this baby. I do think that psychologically they are hell bent on having more and more kids. I think it is an addiction. I personally think they should stop and think about their children and grandchildren who need them. But we will hear that she is pregnant again next year.

God certainly isn't trying to teach them a lesson. . . anyone who knows God knows that. And I'm sad for them - always tragic to have a miscarriage. That said, enough is enough. I had my 2nd child at age 44 and it was difficult - and I didn't have 19 kids at home to deal with! God helps those who help themselves - and now it the time that they need to practice birth control. Her body is obviously done bearing children. The last child was born at 23 weeks. Michelle, for the sake of your family, please stop having kids!

I could care less about their miscarriage, I don't know them. I do think comments like god teaching them a lesson is very insensitive. Not so much to them because they probably won't hear the comments or know the people. Still can you imagine being a friend of one of those commenters that has lost a child. Wouldn't you just look at them and think so what was god teaching me? Very hurtful. :(

Not that it is relevant but I always think comments like, you have four so you wouldn't hurt as much if you lost one or that it wouldn't hurt if I lost one of my adult children as much as my L. ones, strange. Makes me wonder how those people feel about their kids....Which one is the disposable one? :(

Okay Cheryl and PS, I don't know them, I don't follow their show, I wouldn't know this happened had this post not been here. Sorry but I don't, I do care that hurtful people would make those comments about anyone but I really am not fussed one way or another about reality show stars. Seems to me you just want to pick apart my wording, why is that?

Don't know whether to shake my head in disgust or stare off into the sky out of pure boredom w/how some people so negatively start off their responses. Maybe I just feel sorry for such negative people. Anyhoo....

My heart breaks for anyone who has lost a baby at any gestational age. I just pray she considers her own health the next time she considers becoming pregnant again.

Those people who have made those hurtful comments should be ashamed of themselves! How dare they make such comments like that. You're right. No matter how many kids you have, no one should have to go through losing a child. I feel for Michelle. I think they are doing great with having 19 kiddos! I love how they teach their children teamwork, and how helping others is rewarding. I really admire their parenting skills and how independant their children are. :-) I pray for their healing with their loss of their L. baby.

Like several on here, I have heard of the Duggars but never watched the show or followed their life story. I agree that the miscarriage is a devastating thing to them no matter how many children they have. Also agree that this is a natural way for them to be seeing that they should probably be saying "enough is enough" and quit trying to have children. And that God does not give us lessons in this way.
The main thing I wanted to post for, though, is to say how happy I am to see so many posts on a topic that is this controversial, and all of them, even the couple that were more negative toward the Duggars, have been quite civil and in most ways sympathetic to the family. Great job Mammas!

I think the Duggars are nice people. They have been extremely fortunate given the number of children they have as far as any birth defects, etc. After their trauma when Josie was born, I was silently hoping they wouldn't tempt fate any further. At Michelle's age, the number of times she'd been pregnant seemed to indicate that her body might not be capable of carrying babies to term anymore.
Now, her miscarriage.
I do feel bad for the family. It's certainly a loss.

After the close call with Josie, I would have been done, but that's just me.
I have a feeling she'll be pregnant again within a year.

Just my opinion.

Michelle and Jim Bob have made it very clear in many interviews that they will never, ever do anything to prevent pregnancy. It goes against their beliefs. So despite having a uterus that is probably paper-thin from all of the pregnancies and c-sections, and despite their last child being severely premature, they will continue to not use contraception. Do I think they're doing the right thing? No, I think she should count her blessings and be there and be healthy for the 19 kids she already has. But it's her body, their family and their choice. And they'll do what they want to do.

That is sad! You are right no matter how many a lost life is a lost life!
My co-worker's wife just lost a baby yesterday. This is her 4th miscarriage also at 20 wks. They already have 2 girls ages 5 and almost 3, but wanted that boy so kept trying. At 20 to 22 wks her body rejects the baby and they quit getting nurishment. Even with drugs trying to make her body accept this one, it did not work.
Thanks for the update! Sad for the Dugger family and my co worker!
Blessings
D.

Its sad, specially that far into a pregnancy.
I just wonder about her health and when a doctor is going to tell her enough is enough.

I feel bad for her. Losing a baby is hard no matter who you are.

However, after her last baby had issues I would think that she would have stopped. Your body can only handle so much, and I think she has pushed hers to the limit. If it were me, (and I would never have 19 kids), I would take into consideration that having anymore kids could lead to another one being born early, and struggling through the rest of their lives, like the last one was.

I think you should have kids because you want to give them the best life possible, not just because you want another baby.

I think it is very sad. I personally love the Duggars - I think they (as they are portrayed on TV) a lovely, loving family and I am sure they are devastated by this. Doesn't matter if you have one or 20 - losing a child is terrible.

But, on the realistic, physical side, Michelle has carried many babies and I cannot imagine the toll that takes on a body.

My heart goes out to them.

I have been blessed with 2 pregnancies and 2 births. I can't imagine having a miscarriage. That being said, Im the same age as Michelle and I think with baby Josie (baby #19) being a premie and still having medical issues at age 2, they should count their blessing and not push their luck. It is clearly not safe for Michelle nor the baby. Continuing to have kids is simply irresponsible to the children they already have (meaning if something happened to Michelle, 19 kids would loose their mom). =o/

I too found out at an u/s that my baby had miscarried when the OB could not find a heartbeat. It was seriously the worst experience of my life to walk in eager to see the new baby and leave knowing there is no longer a baby living inside you. I feel sorry for the Duggar's and my heart goes out to them. Baby #1 or Baby #20 I am sure their hearts hurt today.

This being said I think if I were in their shoes I would be grateful for my 19 children that I have, be grateful Josie is so healthy considering she was a premie and decide that #20 is just not meant to be.

As a mama who has been through miscarriage and a late term loss of my child, I can empathize completely with what Michelle and Jim Bob are going through. It doesn't matter that they have 19 other children. Losing a child is losing a child. No matter what stage or age of the pregnancy. I would hope that for the safety of Michelle and HER body, that she and her husband along with her doctors decide to proactively stop her from having any more children. I would hope that they don't wait until something tragic happens to her (uterus falling out, bladder etc.). If they truely want and feel the calling to have more children--they could adopt. But...who am I to judge and say how many children is enough etc. That is between them and God. I just personally hope for her sake, that they stop this so she doesn't end up dying from all the complications.

Great question!

M

This is sad, but what's going to be worse is when we hear of hear death because of a risky pregnancy that should never have been, widowing her husband and leaving her many other children motherless.

I think that losing any baby is a horrible experience. That being said, I too just cannot imagine what a toll all of these pregnancies have taken on her body. At some point, it just seems wise to stop for health reasons.

I was very sad to hear about their loss. I'm thankful that they had 17 pregnancies without a loss (they miscarried #2). I know the chances of miscarriage drastically increases after 40. I'm sure she'll try again and I wish her the best. They seem to handle criticism well. They never seem to care. I get all hormonal and bent out of shape when people criticize me when I'm pregnant. Those pregnancy hormones get the best of me.

I am saddened by her loss, as I too have suffered multiple miscarriages and it is so devastating. However, I feel she is putting herself and a fetus at risk trying to get pregnant again. Her last pregnancy was difficult and ended with her child in NICU. I personally couldn't go through that again. She has 19 children that God has blessed her with. Love them and be happy and be done.

The body has ways of telling a person it is time for the childbearing years to be over.

I think the Duggars are splendid parents and a very loving family. I am sorry to hear of this loss. I know with the last baby they had such a hard time with her health. But I do know that God has them in his arms and is holding their hearts to ease their pain. They must be feeling this as if it were any one of the other children. They have so much love to give. They are the only ones who can decide what to do about pregnancy. Their docs have most likely given them choices of what to do.

Having a surgeries like tubes tied or the Essure procedure would ensure no more pregnancies but they may feel it is not time yet.

I certainly feel bad for them, as I know losing a baby can be very devastating. So I do feel bad that they are going through the emotional pain of it.

That said, after the incredible risk to her health during her last pregnancy, and the health of the baby, not to mention her age, I don't think her body can handle another baby. I think they need to stop for health reasons.

Listen, the Bible was written a long time ago. It's not irrelevant but people need to consider a certain amount of context to prevent taking it too literally. Babies were a measure of success, a way to pass on genetics, bloodline, property, etc. They also had an upsetting habit of not making it to adulthood, so you had a lot of them. Things, thankfully, don't look like that anymore. CHILDREN ARE A CHOICE. Those of us that are "done" having children know that feeling. When you hold your Baby in your arms and you know this one completes your family, you realize this.

The Duggars deserve a lot of credit for making sure they're in a position to support their family, but you don't raise children in isolation. Humans require resources to survive. Even if you produce all your own food, clothes, well-water, the whole jazz, that's that much more nutrition you're wringing from an already overstressed Earth, etc. I'm genuinely sorry for their loss. I come from a fertile family. I have a relative that got pregnant last year...this would have been her 11th pregnancy in her lifetime. She has only 5 children from all that work her body has done. After her last baby, her TEAM of doctors, because that's what it took to get her and her baby through the pregnancy and she still nearly died after delivery, didn't advise her, they BEGGED her to not have more children. Told her she would not survive another pregnancy. So when she became pregnant...that's a big problem...it's hard to say, since I'm referencing my own mother, but she thankfully miscarried. Babies are incredible, but our bodies send us powerful signals, if we're willing to listen. And when we don't, it has to protect itself.

One might never know the Great Plan behind Mrs. Duggar's miscarriage. We celebrate the lost life of my mother's still born son. A few years ago, her husband was stationed in a war zone when she lost the baby, at about 19 weeks. Her husband came home to be with her and the two babies (2 and 3 y/o at the time) while she healed physically. While he was home, the tent he'd been assigned was bombed and his replacement was killed. My mother and our family will be forever indebted to the L. soul that saved his father, because that's how we see it.

Many women have had children much older than her without any problems. People need to leave that family alone. Who cares it's her life and her body not ya'lls so stop hating on her and get a damn life.
I wish society would pick on the couples with 1 or 2 kids instead. haha

I think it's sad. It's their religion! People don't get that. They are not just going to start using contraceptives now. My sister also believes what the Duggars do. However, many of her beliefs are very different from theirs. She has 10 kids and might have more. People are so mean about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just don't understand how people still don't get that this is a religious issue for them - as far as they're concerned, it's not up to them, period!

They aren't addicted to having babies, they aren't "trying for baby #20." They are a couple who are giving their bodies to each other as the Bible says we are to do in marriage and letting God decide about whether she gets pregnant or not.

Is that something I could do? Not on your life. But it's their life - not any of ours, and we have no business talking about them like we have some say in their choices.

Ninety percent of the responses here are some form of: "Sucks that they lost a baby. But I think that they should stop trying."

Before you pass judgement or even well-meaning "advice," maybe people should do the tiniest bit of research and figure out WHY they say they're doing it.

If you choose to do something because you believe God commands it, you're not just going to give up (and use ANY form of birth control - natural or not - in this case) because things get a L. rough.

There are a lot of families to practice this same belief who don't have half the children the Duggars do. If you believe they are all operating based on the same belief system, then God chose to stop giving them children.

If you choose to believe what the Duggars do, then you'd almost have to believe that God continues to give children to this family because they do such and incredible job with all their gifts.

A miscarriage is always sad.
I think they'll take some time to recover, but they'll try again.

A miscarriage is always sad, however, responsible parenting means taking into consideration your health and the health of your future child. If your body is still at a stage in life where it can get pregnant but can no longer do so in a healthy and safe manner then maybe, in my opinion, it is time to stop allowing yourself to get pregnant and that may mean some form of birth control. While they say they leave it in Gods hands I know first hand how devestating it is to lose a mother at a young age and I would hate for her 19 other children to have to suffer that way.

I saw a picture of Michelle Duggar's hand holding the miscarried baby's hand. I felt really sad when I saw it. I wish people would leave them alone. I agree when you say it doesn't matter if she has 1 or 50. I believe they are good genuine people who are good parents. I think her body may be telling her it's time to stop having children though. I don't wish she had a miscarriage. It's sad no matter how many kids she has.