ASRM Releases First Updated Guidance on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Over a Decade

June 1, 2026
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, DC—As High-Risk Pregnancy Awareness Week (June 1–8, 2026) begins, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is highlighting recurrent pregnancy loss as a serious and often misunderstood reproductive health condition through its newly updated Practice Committee opinion, the first update on the topic since 2012. The opinion outlines a more evidence-based approach to evaluation and care.

“Recurrent pregnancy loss can be medically complex, emotionally devastating, and deeply isolating for patients and families,” said Robert E. Brannigan, MD, President of ASRM. “This updated guidance reflects ASRM’s commitment to ensuring that patients receive care grounded in the best available science, delivered with compassion, and focused on what is most likely to help. Patients experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss deserve answers, support, and care that is guided by evidence.” 

ASRM defines recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) as the spontaneous loss of two or more pregnancies, excluding confirmed molar or ectopic pregnancies. The updated opinion also recognizes very early pregnancy losses confirmed by blood or urine testing and clarifies that losses do not need to be consecutive to warrant evaluation.

Key recommendations from the updated opinion include:

• Chromosome testing of miscarriage tissue, when possible, as a first step in evaluation
• More targeted testing and evaluation based on a patient’s history and risk factors
• Screening for conditions such as thyroid disease and diabetes when appropriate
• Avoiding routine use of tests and treatments that lack strong evidence of benefit
• Greater emphasis on emotional support and counseling for patients and couples

For patients and families navigating RPL, the updated opinion offers reassurance and hope: ASRM notes that 50 to 80 percent of patients will go on to have a successful pregnancy, even without medical intervention. 

High-Risk Pregnancy Awareness Week is a national campaign focused on raising awareness of conditions that can complicate pregnancy and the importance of specialized care for patients and families navigating those experiences. As the week kicks off, ASRM encourages patients, clinicians, and policymakers to continue advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for those affected.