A Brother's Loss: The Impact of Miscarriage on African American Men

Abstract

Grand Tour Question Ø What are the impacts of miscarriage on African American men? Pettie Tour Question Ø What are African American malesʼ most effective means of dealing with and healing after experiencing a miscarriage? Purpose of the Study Ø To investigate the effects and perceptions of miscarriages in the African American community from the male perspective. Ø In 2008, my wife and I lost our first child that we were expecting. This experience revealed the degree to which social stigma and gender specific traditions inhibit disclosure, healthy discourse and closure concerning reproductive loss. I plan to utilize historical, social, spiritual and scientific tools to construct a relevant and helpful resource for Black men coping with such a profound loss. Data Collection Ø I utilized the extensive resources available in the Social Science Data Library and Paley Library of Temple University. Implications for Future Study Ø The research presented provides a platform to test the “Dual construction” method introduced. Testimonials can be compiled through interviews of African American men who have experienced reproductive loss. These recounts could be recorded for a possible documentary on the subject that could exponentially expand the discourse among African American men and the pain and pressures that they may share. An organization specifically geared towards the needs of African American men as revealed through the findings of this thesis. Conclusions Ø The therapeutic truth of candid communication is a much-needed component in the effort to advance the dialogue about miscarriage among African American men. The Dual Construction Method of learning more about the self in order to help rebuild it after traumatic events is a strategy conceived with the needs of African American men in mind. The intellectual, cultural and testimonial fortification that the Dual Construction Method can provide is a foundation that can expand the discourse about miscarriage exponentially. The lost seeds of human procreation must be watered with waves of relevant empowering information as old as the Nile River in order to properly grow and/or be grieved.