Rensselaer Professor Linda Layne has written a major new book on the effect of miscarriage and stillbirth on families and American society. In
Motherhood Lost: A Feminist Account of Pregnancy Loss in America, Layne "challenges society and women's movements in particular to publicly discuss the topic and to offer more helpful support to 'would-be' parents."

According to a Rensselaer press release:

About 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage or stillbirth each year, according to Williams Obstetrics. In Motherhood Lost, Layne explains that the losses are seldom acknowledged or rarely discussed. "Grief for a dead loved one may be both inevitable and necessary, but the additional hurt that bereaved parents feel when their losses are dismissed and diminished by others is needless and cruel," she says. "It is high time we recognize pregnancy loss and offer our support."

Layne is a Professor of Anthropolgy in the Science and Technology Studies Department of the Rensselaer School of Humanities and Social Sciences. This book, which was published by Routledge in November, is now featured on the home page of RPI.edu.