Navigating the Heartbreaking Journey of Termination for Medical Reasons
Stacey and Tracy share their deeply personal experiences of pregnancy loss and termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and why open, honest conversation is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing and reducing stigma.
Red Nose Australia ambassador, Fiona Ellis-Jones, sits down with Stacey Courtney and Tracy Vo, two mothers whose lives were forever changed by a prenatal diagnosis.
Recorded to mark International TFMR Awareness Day, their stories offer an honest, compassionate look at one of pregnancy loss’s least-talked-about experiences.
Stacey shares the story of her daughter Sonny, diagnosed with fetal megasystitis at 18 weeks.
Tracy reflects on her son James, his prenatal diagnosis, and the journey that followed.
Together, they speak candidly about the medical realities of TFMR, the grief of saying goodbye, and the lack of societal understanding that so many TFMR families encounter.
Words that needed to be said
A loss is a loss, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, no matter whether you made the decision or not. A loss is a loss and we all need some kind of support.
Tracy Vo
I have mums every week slide into my DMs saying ‘I don’t have anyone to talk to, I don’t know anyone who’s been through this.’ That’s why it’s so important that we continue to talk about it.
Stacey Courtney
Why talking about TFMR matters
Termination for medical reasons remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised forms of pregnancy loss. Families navigating TFMR often do so without adequate support, facing not only profound grief but also social isolation and silence.
Stacey and Tracy discuss how finding community — and the courage to speak openly — has been central to their healing. They also explore the role that media, politics, and public awareness play in shaping how TFMR families are seen and supported.
How loss has become a force for advocacy
Both Stacey and Tracy speak about how their experiences have driven them to advocate for better awareness, improved hospital support, and more compassionate public conversation around pregnancy loss and TFMR. Their message is clear: sharing stories saves others from feeling alone.
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