Michelle And Jim Bob Duggar Miscarriage: Why They Filmed Their Heartbreak

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar of "19 Kids and Counting" fame were devastated when they lost their 20th child five months into Michelle's pregnancy. At the time, the couple shared their sad news via a media statement, which made it even more surprising when it was revealed that the miscarriage would be documented on their reality show.

"The kids [are] back home with super grandma," Michelle told me while visiting New York with just Jim Bob. "We have grieved and cried a lot. We don't grieve for those who have no hope. We will see her again."

Explaining why they decided to have the camera around during the distressing time, Michelle and Jim Bob say they did it to help others.

"Three years ago, my dad passed away," Jim Bob says. "We thought filming would help those that have gone through loss."

"We have precious memories of sweet Jubilee," added Michelle.

Spending Valentine’s Day in New York without the children, the couple went to see the musical Godspell and have dinner. But Michelle explains that even when it's not a holiday, they keep their marriage fresh by having date night once a week in the afternoon or evenings when Grandma can look after the babies.

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Earlier on HuffPost:

Comments

[akrazyrunner]

12:04 AM on 04/10/2012

Why They Filmed Their Heartbreak?
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

[mysaltydog]

01:34 PM on 04/10/2012

That and they were most probably acting on advice from Ricky Santorum.

[sweettea143]

02:36 PM on 03/21/2012

While I don't agree with having so many kids, it is her right to have as many as she wants. I loss of a child is not something to judge one on, or make snide remarks towards. She lost a baby, how about some of you have some compassion. Whether it was her 20th child or her first, It's still a child. I give them props for being able to handle so many children. I wouldn't be able to do it but hey if that is what makes them happy then so be it, who are we to judge this family? We honestly know nothing about them other than what we watch on TV. I think its fascinating and opens people eyes to someone else life. This show could teach a lot of people how to be parents, because to be honest when you turn on the news and hear about people killing each other or hearing about a mother or father who have killed their kids, you wont see that with this family.

[mysaltydog]

01:38 PM on 04/10/2012

What I think is that filming a miscarriage is the same as bringing home, and keeping overnight in your bed, a stillborn child. But hey, this is America, land of the free. And I exercise that freedom by not watching the Duggar TV show and not expressing my opinion that Ricky Santorum is someone demented by his religious fervor..

[Isabella Fiske McFarlin]

11:15 PM on 03/06/2012

I understand and respect the feelings and beliefs of the Duggars regarding seeing their child again, but I hope that they will consider the need of the ones here on Earth for a mom in the flesh. I fear Mrs. Duggar could die if she continues to have children -- at least, perhaps she should give it a break for a while...
While I don't believe the same things exactly (I am a Quaker, a member of the Society of Friends), I do understand how they feel and I rather like them-- they seem to manage very well with all the kids. (Do they all get enough attention and help?) But I really hope Michelle will consider her health and not try to have another baby, at least till she is completely well.

[mysaltydog]

01:38 PM on 04/10/2012

Of course they 'manage well'. They're racking in $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[Dan Dolan]

04:17 PM on 02/24/2012

Somebody needs to STERILIZE all the males in this family!

[cheesecake chick]

06:07 PM on 03/12/2012

could we get you to volunteer to get your nuts snipped first?

[tw15t3d]

10:00 PM on 03/12/2012

Your bitterness is showing.

[ComicClassroom]

10:16 AM on 02/24/2012

Addiction to procreation is a serious pathology. Why are we watching these folks? What does this say about us? I find them deeply disturbed and delusional.

[maybesomeday]

05:31 AM on 02/24/2012

I've never watched this show and never will. There's nothing special about procreation in multiples. I think most couples in love would love to have large families but nowadays it's unaffordable, unless of course your living off the welfare system where you get all the perks for popping out a few babies.

They remind me of the Waltons only triple in size. I do recall she also had her last pregnancy with a premature baby? And now a miscarriage. I wonder if maybe that's a sign from their God telling them to stop having babies.

[formerLAresident]

11:11 PM on 02/23/2012

Go away...and stop using your vagina as a financial commodity!
Don't forget these crazy couple let Religious Fanatic Ricky S. used their bus (yes they have a bus) to promote his no birth control agenda that they support and endorsed him (and all his crazy Taliban ideas)..

TLC needs to do the right thing and stop cramming this kind of political crap on television in the guise of the Duggars with their big hair, too much children, and over-the-top baby making run amok off television once & for all!

[cheesecake chick]

06:10 PM on 03/12/2012

your have the wrong show! the people on Jersey Shore are using their vaginas and their penises as financial commodities! i will bet that Snooki will not raise her kid with ANY morals or religious guidance, and the only thing she gives back to the community is STD's.

[Parade Keegan]

03:48 PM on 02/23/2012

These people are pathetic IMO and their bottom line is money, money, money IMO. Whatever.

[ProtonEnergy]

03:08 PM on 02/23/2012

Probably due to the same contract that is forcing them to come up with this BS story. TLC owns her uterous tissue.

[Robin Campbell]

12:02 PM on 03/28/2012

Apparently she doesn't have any uterus tissue left! Maybe she needs to realize her body is completely wrecked and stop deliberatley creating a life that will end due to lack of ability to carry it. Same thing as murder in my eyes. They are a train wreck!

[anytimecowboy]

03:07 PM on 02/23/2012

"We have precious memories of sweet Jubilee," added Michelle.,,,Am I missing something? Precious memories of a 4 month old fetus??? This just wierds me out to no end. These people are strange...

[mwnyy]

04:51 PM on 02/23/2012

I know, strange comment. She looks at him like a starry eyed teenager. Creepy

[keywest9]

11:02 AM on 02/23/2012

$ I $ wonder $ why $ these $ charming $ people $ would $ want $ to $ share $ thier $ miscarriage $ with $ the $ rest $ of $ the $ world?$?$? Why not share the conception, I know the public would love to see the magic of how these exceptional people create these future welfare recipients! It took an act of God to finally slow this busy little couple down!

[ohsocassie]

01:12 PM on 02/23/2012

ROFLMAO!! CHANG, CHANG

[Robin Campbell]

12:05 PM on 03/28/2012

I agree other than the act of God part... God didn't wreck her uterus to the point that its about to fall out of her... She did that!!! Her body is a mess and she needs to realize she has ruined her insides and they will continue to miscarry = murder! She disgusts me! Correction... THEY disgust me!

[carolyndewrance]

09:52 AM on 02/23/2012

Well the President of South Africa has 21 kids, and does not think that will be the end of it.
So I guess if she is fit and well she can carry on having them until she dies.

[Robin Campbell]

12:06 PM on 03/28/2012

She CLEARLY is NOT fit or well and can not continue carrying them or they wouldn't keep being born too soon, or not at all.

[mte1000]

09:30 AM on 02/23/2012

I keep going back to a line that Groucho Marx said to a woman who had nine children..."I like my cigar, but I take it out of my mouth once in awhile!"

[Rae48]

07:30 AM on 02/23/2012

The reason they decided to share their grief is because they can't stay out of range of the camera-much like the Kardashians-and the fame and money it brings to them.

[workingforit]

06:09 AM on 02/23/2012

I say leave them alone. They are not living off of the government. They pay their own bills, Raise the children with morals and respect. I do think that it is time Michelle stops having babies because of her age and for her health. Yes, they get paid for people watching the show but you know what...if you don't like the show no one is making you watch it. Turn the channel.

[Dan Dolan]

04:19 PM on 02/24/2012

What a load of smelly stinkin bull.