Breaking silence on pregnancy loss, Shell Cove mum shares her story
Victoria Bogovac terminated her pregnancy at 16 weeks after Down syndrome and serious kidney complications, then spoke publicly to reduce stigma.
Ms Bogovac and her husband learned they were expecting in June 2025. Routine tests revealed their unborn baby, Luca, had Down syndrome and a serious kidney issue.
Doctors could not predict whether he would survive birth or how long he might live. At almost 16 weeks, they chose to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons.
Ms Bogovac now speaks about the heartbreak, guilt and silence that followed, determined to break the stigma. 'There's fear of shame and judgment in the decision,' she said.
Many families simply move on as if nothing happened, leaving bereaved parents isolated. About one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, and over 2,200 babies are stillborn in Australia each year.
Yet few families talk openly about the loss. Ms Bogovac has connected with Remember Me, a local support service offering grief counseling and community.
- Almost 16 weeks
- Gestational age at termination
- 99 percent
- Diagnosis confidence
- 7 years old
- Daughter's age
- Over 2,200
- Australian stillbirths annually
Why it mattersPregnancy loss affects millions but carries shame; families who speak openly help others feel less alone in grief and loss.
AustraliaOne in four Australian pregnancies end in loss; support services exist but many families don't know about them or how to access help.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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