'Grey's Anatomy's' Jessica Capshaw Speaks Out on Miscarriage—'Deeply Sad'

Grey's Anatomy actress Jessica Capshaw has opened up about the "deep sadness" she felt after having a miscarriage.

Capshaw, 47, who starred on the ABC medical drama for 11 seasons, opened up on the loss during Sunday's episode of the Call It What It Is podcast, which she hosts with her Grey's Anatomy co-star Camilla Luddington. The podcast is described as a "friendship circle" where they discuss their lives and try to help listeners with their own troubles.

One listener, named Jess, wrote to the podcast and asked whether she should have a third baby.

"I think that the answer is that it's a very personal answer," Capshaw said, and added that you have to be "really really in touch and really really honest with yourself and with your partner.

"For me, I came from a big family, so I think that it was very natural and I didn't feel overwhelmed."

jessica capshaw
Jessica Capshaw attends Stella McCartney H.E.A.R.T. Brunch 2018 at Private Residence on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The actress opened up about having a miscarriage. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images

Capshaw, who has also starred in the legal drama series The Practice, is the daughter of artist and actress Kate Capshaw, who is married to director Steven Spielberg.

Capshaw is a mom to Luke, 16, Eve, 13, Poppy, 12, and Josephine, 8, which she shares with husband and entrepreneur Christopher Gavigan.

Capshaw eventually opened up about a miscarriage she had when Eve was 10 months old.

"I got pregnant and I was so excited and I had never had any issues before getting pregnant. I was very lucky and I'm very grateful. And then all of a sudden, at my 10-week appointment, [I] went in for the ultrasound, was by myself, totally unsuspecting, and there was no heartbeat," Capshaw said, describing it as a "horrible" situation.

The actress went on to say it was "the most shocking and deeply, deeply sad thing."

Despite feeling a "deep sadness," she described feeling "very, very fortunate" to have such a "compassionate" doctor and praised her husband for his support.

"And then you know, life carried on, and I had a chance to take care of myself and my body and my relationship and my other children, and it was really incredible," Capshaw added.

Newsweek contacted Capshaw's representatives by email for comment.

Miscarriage, also known as early pregnancy loss is common. With regards to women who know they are pregnant, miscarriages occur between 10 and 20 percent of the time. Most (80 percent) occur during the first trimester, according to March of Dimes, a nonprofit that aims to improve the health of mothers and babies. Those who miscarry can go on to have a healthy pregnancy later.

About the writer


Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go