Child

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A new telling of the extraordinary story of where we all begin. Presented by India Rakusen

In this new look at the beginnings of life, we tell the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history and science.

In this new look at the beginnings of life we tell the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history, and science.

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Child: 6. The Unforeseen

6. The Unforeseen

BBC Radio 4 - Child, 6. The Unforeseen

India explores how the law and our own feelings are at odds with each other on baby loss.

It is so hard to discuss pregnancy loss or unexpected news in pregnancy. But why? India speaks to Clea Harmer CEO of baby loss charity Sands, and Dr Gareth Thomas about screening.

Talking about pregnancy loss, miscarriage and unexpected news in pregnancy is difficult, not just for those going through it but for the whole society. But why? 

India speaks to Clea Harmer, the CEO of the baby loss Charity Sands about the idea of what is and isn’t a person and how the law, science and our own feelings are at odds with each other on this topic. 

We also unpick foetal testing and screening in pregnancy. What syndromes are tested for, and why? And what does this say about our approach to disability and the idea of risk? Dr Garath Thomas is a reader in social sciences at Cardiff University and has researched Down's Syndrome Screening and Reproductive Politics. 

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode of Child there are details of organisations that offer advice and support at http://bbc.co.uk/actionline 

Presented by India Rakusen. 
Producer: Ellie Sans.
Series Producer: Ellie Sans.
Executive Producer: Suzy Grant. 
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts.
Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon.
Mix and Mastering by Olga Reed.

A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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