Michelle Duggar Miscarries Duggar 20, Controvery Ensues Over Pictures

On November 8th, 2011 the Duggars from TLC's "18 Kid and Counting" announced they were expecting their 20th child due April 2012. The surprising announcement came after complications with the 19th child, Josie. Josie was born in December 2010 three months premature and spent several months in the NICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. The announcement of another baby caused great debate. In spite of critics, the Duggars were thrilled. On December 9th during a routine doctor exam, the baby's heartbeat could not be found. The baby had died at nineteen weeks gestation.

The news devastated Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar who now had to tell their many fans. The doctor suggested Michelle miscarry naturally which she did on Dec 11. Once they found out the gender, they named the stillborn baby Jubilee Shalom. A private memorial was held at the Duggar home and another memorial was held on Dec 13th at their local church. Hundreds of supporters showed for the memorial on an unseasonably warm fall day.

Michelle says "I feel a great sorrow and a grief but I am at peace." Jim Bob left a message thanking fans for all their support and Michelle recorded a letter for Jubilee. It has been a difficult time for the kids as well. Daughter Jill seemed to take the loss the hardest. She is studying to be a midwife and kept track of the baby's heart rate. Seven year old Jackson asked about his baby sister and Michelle told him they would all be together one day.

Controversy ensued when photos of the stillborn baby leaked on the Internet. The photos were taken by an organization called 'Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep' that helps grieving parents. They were handed out to those who attended the service and not meant for public viewing. Amy Duggar, Jim Bob's niece, posted pictures on her Twitter account but later deleted them when it caused a backlash. The photos were never intend for public viewing according to the family who passed them out to supporters. Defenders claim the Duggars have a right to grieve how they want and the co-founder of 'Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep' argues thousands of parents use their service because the photos comfort them..

Susan Newman of Psychology Today says "It just seems too public and almost seems like, 'OK, we're stars, everybody wants to know about us. From what I know of parents who have lost children, it's horrific. It's not something you want pictures of. There are people who will argue with me and say it's a way of coming to terms with the death. But given the Duggars' history, their television show, and the way they exploit their children, I just find this a cog in the same wheel. I find it rather distasteful." The Duggars are conservative Baptists who eschew all forms of control. More information can be found on www.theduggarfamily.com.