Episode 8 - Reproductive Loss Network - Tanya Flores & Tricia Lewis

Episode #8 Show Notes

Hosts: Jinda Reinig, Kimberly Willess, and Warren Lamb

Guests: Tanya Flores & Tricia Lewis of Reproductive Loss Network

Topic: Equipping the Church to Address Reproductive Loss with Compassion and Grace

 

Summary: Tanya Flores and Tricia Lewis, co-founders of Reproductive Loss Network, discuss their ministry's mission to provide a biblical response and care for those impacted by reproductive loss. They explain that reproductive loss encompasses a wide range of experiences related to a person's reproductive health and decisions, including miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, and abortion. The founders emphasize the need for churches to address reproductive loss from a biblical perspective and equip caregivers to provide support and comfort. They also highlight the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to grieve and share their stories, as well as the need for ongoing support and care beyond the immediate aftermath of loss.

Key Takeaways:

• Reproductive loss refers to the grief associated with a range of issues, including miscarriage, stillbirth, perinatal death, infertility, and abortion.
• The church can play a crucial role in providing biblical care for those experiencing reproductive loss, but often lacks resources and training.
• Secondary grief among caregivers is common, underscoring the need for proper self-care strategies.
• Education is key; equipping caregivers with the language of grief and lament can open the door for healing and support.
• Forming a solid understanding of one's reproductive story is essential in the healing process, as is embracing the concept of lament within a biblical context.

Notable Quotes:

• "Reproductive loss is any experience of grief in a person's life related to their ability to have children."
• "93% said they wouldn't discuss their abortion decision with anyone at church at all."

Scriptures:

• Psalm 139:23-24
• Ecclesiastes 7:2

Links:

• Reproductive Loss Network (RLN)
• RLN Training
• Resource List