Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association (RPLA) is dedicated to eliminating recurrent pregnancy loss through the advancement of research into causes and treatments; to providing support and resources to those affected; and to increasing awareness of the impact of miscarriage and fertility challenges on women and families.   

Miscarriage is an isolating experience accompanied by feelings of deep sadness, helplessness, and guilt.  As many as 25% of pregnancies end in a loss, which can cause a significant and lasting impact on the mental and physical health of couples trying to conceive.  With time, most couples go on to have healthy pregnancies after a loss.   However, a percentage of women experience recurrent pregnancy loss—the loss of two or more clinical pregnancies before the 20th week.  These couples are not only repeatedly traumatized by the recurrent losses, but often undergo a myriad of medical procedures and fertility treatments in their efforts to have a baby.   Yet the unfortunate reality is that for the majority these couples, the underlying reason for their losses remains medically “unexplained.”

RPLA envisions a future where women and couples can get explanations for their pregnancy losses and create clear plans to grow their families.   This is accomplished through its mission and programs, which fall under three pillars: Awareness, Advocacy, and Answers. 

Awareness: Focuses on educating intended parents by sharing information and resources that help them navigate the emotional journey and medical process of RPL.

Advocacy: Focuses on helping clinical practitioners, scientific investigators, policy makers, and industry persons understand the experience and impact of multiple miscarriages and why additional attention, information, and research resources are necessary.

Answers: Focuses on supporting scientific activities and providing grants to investigators in the United States researching causes of, and treatments for, recurrent pregnancy loss.

RPLA was founded in 2019 by Megan Hanson and Ben Burnham in the wake of their sixth miscarriage.  It is led by Megan Hanson, who currently donates her time to the organization.