Table of Contents
Pregnancy loss affects an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies, yet remains a deeply isolating experience for many families. Heaven’s Gate Ministries, a Greater Cincinnati organization, is working to change that by providing comprehensive support – physical, emotional, and spiritual – to those experiencing loss before, during, and after delivery.
Addressing a Significant Need in the Community
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, WLWT News 5 featured Donna Murphy of Heaven’s Gate Ministries, highlighting the organization’s vital mission. According to Murphy, approximately 1 million people miscarry each year in the United States. The incidence rises with gestational age, affecting 1 in 4 pregnancies in the second trimester, 1 in 33 pregnancies when a woman is showing, and 1 in 160 pregnancies resulting in stillbirth or infant death.
“A lot of people don’t know it’s that high,” Murphy stated, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and open conversation surrounding pregnancy loss.
Beyond Immediate Grief: Long-Term Support is Key
Heaven’s Gate Ministries recognizes that support extends far beyond the initial shock of loss. Murphy explained that friends and family often provide immediate comfort, but their presence tends to diminish over time, leaving families to navigate their grief alone. The organization steps in to fill this gap, offering assistance from the moment a heartbeat is no longer detected.
“Actually immediately after you find out there’s no heartbeat, that’s when there’s zero help,” Murphy noted.
The organization provides a range of resources, including “miscarriage kits” for those experiencing early pregnancy loss and assistance with creating birth plans for those delivering in the second or third trimester. They even offer a card designed to help patients communicate their needs to hospital staff, stating, “I’m here to deliver my baby who has died. Please be mindful. I will not be needing a pediatrician.”
Preparing for the Emotional and Physical Realities
Heaven’s Gate Ministries understands the unique challenges of delivering a baby who has died. They emphasize the importance of preparing for labor and delivery, recognizing that it often takes place in a standard labor and delivery unit.
“Because they’re the people that could save your life if that need be. It’s the best place for you to be,” Murphy explained.
The organization also guides families through creating lasting memories and mementos, empowering them to feel like they were able to parent their child during the short time they had together. They offer to be present during delivery and provide ongoing support, regardless of how much time has passed.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a day after you delivered or 30 years, we will be there for you and you can come to us and we will support you through that,” Murphy affirmed.
How to Access Support and Contribute to the Cause
Families seeking assistance from Heaven’s Gate Ministries can reach out even if they are unsure of their needs. The organization offers a 16-hour hotline, available from 8 a.m. to midnight, to provide immediate support and guidance. According to Murphy, the goal isn’t to eliminate pain, but to mitigate additional trauma and facilitate the healing process.
To sustain their vital work across Greater Cincinnati, Heaven’s Gate Ministries is hosting the “Share the Love” fundraiser on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, at the Receptions Event Center in Erlanger. All proceeds will directly support the organization’s services. More information about Heaven’s Gate Ministries and how to contribute can be found by scanning the QR code provided.
