How journalists can work sensitively with bereaved parents

Jo Healey, former BBC journalist, author and trainer in trauma reporting

The pain of losing a baby is intense and even more so if the death could have been avoided. Everyone's experience of grief is unique but these interviews are always highly sensitive and need careful handling.

We have seen a number of these stories emerge within our news cycle in recent years, notably including the Shrewsbury maternity scandal in 2022.

This week (from 15 July 2024) is Birth Trauma Awareness week. As a former BBC journalist, author and trainer in trauma reporting, here are my 12 tips for reporters to navigating these delicate news stories:

Prepare: You are less likely to feel awkward or uncomfortable if you take a moment beforehand to think about what you may say. Be across the facts.

Acknowledge: A simple, sincere 'I'm so sorry for what you are going through,' is better than saying nothing. Some parents have shared how much it means to be asked about the infant, to use their name. Be led by them on this.

Empathy: Try to understand their emotional position but avoid saying any version of 'I know how you feel.' Be gentle.

Name: Refer to the baby as 'he' or 'she' or 'son' or 'daughter' or 'baby' but not 'it.' They may like you to use the baby's name. You can ask them.

Control and choice: They had no control over what happened to them. Offer them control through your work: where would they like to do the interview? Would they like anyone with them? What may they like to share or not share? Give them an idea of the questions you may like to ask and listen to their opinions. Explain and involve them when filming your shots. Make them feel part of the process.

Listen: Even if you have a tight deadline, it is important you listen carefully and give them time and your fullest attention, phone out of the way and on silent. Listen rather than talk and allow pauses and silence.

Honesty: Be transparent and open, manage their expectations: where will the material go? Who else may be in the piece? Explain that it will be edited. Be accurate.

Blame: Be careful that your words never imply fault or blame towards the parent for what has happened. Remember 'why' questions can sound accusing. If others were at fault, avoid stoking anger or strong emotions.

Experiences: It can be tempting to try to empathise by sharing your experience of grief. Resist this. Avoid sentences starting with 'at least...' these are rarely empathetic. Avoid speculating about what happened, offering opinions or unsolicited advice.

Tears: Do not provoke tears, but do not be afraid of them. If they cry, sit quietly. You have not made them cry; tears are natural part of their grief. Ask if they would like to take a moment.

Leaving: Structure your interview so you gently bring them back from distressing memories into the present moment. Take care not to appear hurried, distracted or dismissive as you leave.

Afterwards: Give them a call and check they are ok. It is also important to check in with yourself that you are feeling ok. These interviews can take their toll. Speak with a trusted colleague soon afterwards.

Jo Healey is the author of Trauma Reporting, A Journalist’s Guide to Covering Sensitive Stories. A senior journalist with BBC TV for many years, she now trains journalists and media staff worldwide from the UK to the US to Ukraine. She authored the UNESCO document Safety of Journalists Covering Trauma and Distress, Do No Harm, which was translated into seven languages. She has spoke at the United Nations in Bangkok and the World Health Organisation in Geneva about her work. She's lectured at Princeton, Boston, Oxford and London Universities, delivering key notes from Canada to Helsinki.

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