Mother who lost 11 babies during pregnancies slams internet trolls
A Melbourne woman who lost 11 babies during pregnancy has slammed internet trolls who called her a “serial killer” and other hurtful names.
Samantha Rowe had three stillbirths, six miscarriages and lost twins to cord entanglement.
The 40-year-old shared her and her partner Paul Lyons’ story to 7News right before International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day on October 15.
Some of the comments she received were heartwarming and triggered all the right emotions. Others, not so much.
“Someone called me a serial killer,” Rowe told 7NEWS.com.au
“It's God telling you you're not meant to have children.
"Why would you keep trying? It's sad and it's also selfish.
"What age will you give up and stop trying? 50? 60?
"Why not try a surrogate with their own sperm and egg? Her body continues to reject pregnancy after pregnancy. It's not fair.
"Lost 11 babies - did they look under the lounge cushion? Maybe check the linen cupboards?"
The couple were forced to put their phones away so they don’t come across negative comments.
“I was getting really upset,” she said.
But she doesn’t regret telling her story.
Her aim was to help those in similar situations to share their story and was concerned the negativity would stop that from happening.
"That kind of behaviour perpetuates the cycle of isolation because other people who do experience loss see this response from the general public," Rowe said.
"These are complete strangers that are persecuting us.
"I think then if anyone was perhaps on the fence as to whether they wanted to be honest and upfront about their own experiences, that would make them turn and run away and say, 'we're not gonna tell anyone'."
After losing 11 pregnancies, including two miscarriages this year, the couple have turned to the help of donor eggs.
They are now eagerly waiting on the arrival of the eggs, which will be implanted next month.