Irish Examiner view: Sobering truths about miscarriages

It is sobering to realise that miscarriage rates are so high — that one of the most grievous losses that anyone can endure occurs that often.

The Irish Examiner National Women’s Health Survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A, has provided plenty of food for thought in recent days — articulating as it does many of the most pressing challenges facing women in today’s Ireland.

A prime example of those challenges is miscarriage. 

The survey results indicate that one quarter of women have experienced a miscarriage, though that rate doubles among those experiencing fertility issues.

It is sobering to realise that miscarriage rates are so high — that one of the most grievous losses that anyone can endure occurs that often.

The only sliver of consolation to be taken from this situation is the presumption that our health services deal with miscarriage so often that they have a well-established procedure for helping the women involved.

It is surely safe to believe that a tried and trusted system of aftercare and counselling immediately clicks into action when a miscarriage occurs.

Unfortunately, the survey suggests the exact opposite — with a significant proportion of women expressing specific dissatisfaction with aftercare services. 

Six in 10 of the women surveyed said the availability of supports such as counselling is lacking, a similar number reported that follow up from healthcare providers was insufficient. 

Almost half of respondents were critical of the quality of information provided by healthcare professionals, rating it as poor or very poor.

Those sentiments were endorsed by those active in this area, with Jennifer Duggan of the Miscarriage Association of Ireland saying: “They unfortunately tally with what we hear ourselves from women we speak with.”

It seems difficult to believe that, in the 21st century, we are in need of better information, better follow-up services, and better counselling for women who have experienced a miscarriage.

Readers should also consider other findings in the survey, such as the proportion of women who often feel lonely or isolated — over one third of those surveyed. 

If services and supports in the case of the terrible experience of miscarriage are this inadequate, that figure is hardly surprising.

An Garda Síochána: Trust in the force declining

Readers will be aware of a court case this week in which Margaret Loftus gave details, in a victim impact statement, of her abuse at the hands of her then-husband Trevor Bolger in 2012.

She concluded with a call to those enduring similar abuse to come forward and to testify, but that is far from the end of this case’s significance.

As outlined by Mick Clifford here on Thursday, serious questions arise from this case because both Ms Loftus and Bolger were members of An Garda Síochána when this abuse occurred, some of which took place in a Garda station.

The case has revealed some disturbing facts about how our police force functions. 

Bolger was promoted to detective after investigations into his conduct regarding Ms Loftus had already begun — after he had been interviewed by gardaí assigned to investigate that matter, in fact.

No action was taken against him until Ms Loftus contacted a senior garda, while her application for a transfer was approved and then rescinded without explanation.

To learn that this is occurring in the State body charged with public safety is deeply worrying.

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It has been a difficult few weeks for An Garda Síochána at all levels. 

The handling of high-profile cases such as the killing of Tina Satchwell has been the subject of widespread criticism. 

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris’s comments on the costs of training a cadaver dog seemed misplaced, at best, at the unveiling of a million-euro water cannon.

The ongoing saga of finding a replacement for Mr Harris is also disheartening, particularly as senior officers’ pension arrangements appear to be a serious obstacle to any appointment.

The details of this latest case will hardly encourage women to report abuse and to escape dangerous domestic circumstances, given Ms Loftus’s treatment.

They may also contribute to a general decline in trust in the gardaí as a whole.

Henry Mount Charles: Deliverer of joy

The death of Henry Mount Charles after a long illness was confirmed by his family this week. He was aged 74.

For many, he will always be associated with some of the biggest names in rock music, having masterminded decades of concerts at Slane Castle, beginning with Thin Lizzy in 1981.

In the 70s, he took over the running of Slane when it was in financial difficulties, and identified the natural amphitheatre in the grounds as an ideal location for large-scale gigs. 

Henry Mountcharles will always be associated with some of the biggest names in rock music, having masterminded decades of concerts at Slane Castle.

After Thin Lizzy, the likes of the Rolling Stones, Oasis, REM, David Bowie, and others played to vast crowds at the Meath venue. 

Those events helped to introduce Irish concertgoers to the concept of large-scale festivals, which are now popular all over the country.

In accent, pedigree, and bearing, Henry Mount Charles was unmistakably a member of the aristocracy, yet he was affectionately regarded in Ireland though he came to prominence when the Troubles were at their height. 

His standing was no doubt boosted by the quality of the musical acts he was able to present to an Irish public starved, in the early 80s at least, of genuine international stars.

He was also remarkably frank in a recent RTÉ documentary about his struggles with alcohol, crediting U2’s Adam Clayton with helping him to get sober — it was good to hear him say then he had achieved a level of peace. 

He brought a great deal of joy to hundreds of thousands of Irish people.