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Complete List of Research
ShowHide- 2025, Development and validation of the Disrespect and Mistreatment during Childbirth Questionnaire: risk factors and eects on parenting stress
- 2025, Cultural Representations of Obstetric Violence in Contemporary Italy
- 2024, Shifting Paradigms of Care: A Qualitative Study on Childbirth Professionals’ Perception of Obstetric Violence
- 2024, Giving birth in pain: obstetric violence as gender-based violence between taboos and abuses
- 2024, Narrating childbirth and obstetric violence. A qualitative research path
- 2024, Obstetric Violence in Italy: From Theoretical Premises to Court Judgments
- 2023, Obstetric Violence as a Form of Gender-Based Violence and a Violation of Human Rights: The Perspective of Midwives in Friuli Venezia Giulia
- 2023, Maltreatment and violence against women during childbirth care: a fundamental human rights issue
- 2022, The position of the woman in labour as a measure of the degree of birth medicalization: historical reconstruction and current perspectives
- 2022, Criminal Law Aspects of the So-Called Obstetric Violence
- 2022, Abuse and Lack of Communication During Childbirth: A Study on the Phenomenon of Obstetric Violence
- 2022, Experiences of Birth during COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy and Spain: A Thematic Analysis
- 2021, The perception of Italian pregnant women and new mothers about their psychological wellbeing, lifestyle, delivery, and neonatal management experience during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a webbased survey
- 2021, Obstetric violence in a group of Italian women: socio-demographic predictors and effects on mental health
- 2020, Coronavirus and birth in Italy: results of a national population-based cohort study
- 2019, Obstetric violence: The political and educational potential of an innovative concept
- 2019, Antropologia dei silenzi. Analisi della violenza ostetrica in Italia
- 2019, La violenza in sala parto. Osservazioni a margine di una questione controversa
- 2018, Sociodemographic characteristics of women participating to the LOVE-THEM (Listening to Obstetric Violence Experiences THrough Enunciations and Measurement) investigation in Italy
- 2018, Findings from the italian Babies Born Better Survey
- 2018, Abuse and disrespect in childbirth assistance in Italy: A community-based survey
- 2016, Obstetric Violence: Disrespectful Healthcare and Promotion of Humanized Birth
Chiara Suttora, Odette, Laura Menabò, Emanuele Preti, Ilenia Passaquindici, Mirco Fasolo and Maria Spinelli
A growing body of research shows that obstetric mistreatment—disrespect and abuse during childbirth—is a widespread issue with significant consequences for maternal mental health. However, these experiences are often measured using non-standardized tools. This study aimed to develop and validate the Disrespect and Mistreatment during Childbirth Questionnaire (DMCQ), a psychometrically sound instrument designed to assess such experiences, and to explore their relationship with parenting stress during the first two postpartum years. An online survey of 620 women assessed sociodemographic and birth-related factors, postpartum posttraumatic stress symptoms, personality traits, and parenting stress. Factor analysis supported a five-dimensional structure: negative interactions with healthcare providers, separation from the newborn, medical intrusiveness, verbal mistreatment, and pain experience. The DMCQ demonstrated strong internal consistency, as well as convergent and divergent validity. Higher mistreatment scores were associated with greater parenting stress, especially distress related to the parental role. Women with higher education levels, low income, and those who gave birth in Southern Italy reported more mistreatment. Risk factors included being a first-time mother, having an unplanned cesarean, instrumental delivery, episiotomy, anesthesia, labor lasting over 12 hours, and delivery complications. Overall, the DMCQ emerges as a reliable tool for assessing obstetric mistreatment and its impact on early parenthood, offering valuable insights for both research and clinical practice.
Veronica Frigeni
York University, Canada
This article is the first examination of a hybrid corpus of cultural narratives of obstetric violence in contemporary Italy. Adopting a reproductive justice approach, the paper considers obstetric violence as gendered, intersectional, and ontological violence against reproductive subjects over the course of their lived reproductive experiences. Combining personal and cultural narratives, the article examines the 2022 comic “Da Che Mondo È Mondo,” written by Irene Caselli and illustrated by Rita Petruccioli, Alberto Basaluzzo’s 2018 short film Si È Sempre Fatto così, and Antonella Lattanzi’s 2023 novel Cose Che Non Si Raccontano to assess how and to what extent they contribute to creating a transformative discourse for women and reproductive subjects. By framing obstetric violence as a concept of struggle within the Italian institutionalized social imaginary, where it still remains a divisive and barely visible subject to be avoided, the texts examined reveal the ways in which obstetric violence damages the complex relationality inherent in the human reproductive experience. These texts highlight the role of medical personnel as unconscious perpetrators of obstetric violence, and they explore how reproductive experiences such as medically assisted reproduction and pregnancy loss are equally vulnerable to violent practices and toxic narratives.
Giuditta Mitidieri is a PhD candidate in Social Sciences at the University of Padua. Her research focuses on female reproductive health, with particular attention to the childbirth experience. In her doctoral project, she has studied and compared current models of childbirth assistance in Italy, using interviews and participant observation across different birth settings. She has been a visiting researcher at City, University of London, at the School of Midwifery, where she collaborated with the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research.
The concept of obstetric violence has recently gained prominence in both public and academic discourse, despite the fact that the phenomenon it refers to—the mistreatment of birthing women by the healthcare professionals responsible for their care—has deep and longstanding roots. Surprisingly, the scientific literature has paid limited attention to the perspectives of healthcare professionals on this issue. In this article, we explore how the category of obstetric violence has emerged and evolved through grassroots digital activism, and we examine its reception among various birth attendants, including midwives, gynaecologists, and anaesthesiologists. Our analysis is based on 32 semi-structured interviews with professionals working in three different types of birth care settings: two university hospitals, a private birthing house, and an alongside birth centre. We argue that the development of the concept of obstetric violence reflects a broader transformation in the caregiver–patient relationship.
Relatrice: Prof.ssa Caterina Suitner. Correlatrice: Prof.ssa Alessandra Minello
Laureanda: Giulia Pellizzaro
Matricola: 2016161. Anno Accademico 2023/2024
This thesis highlights the need to recognize obstetric violence as a form of gender-based violence, shaped by power dynamics and institutional norms that often strip women of autonomy during childbirth. Drawing from Cohen Shabot and Sadler (2023), it is framed as a form of gendered torture, intended to humiliate and control. --- Chapter 1: defines the contours of obstetric violence, while --- Chapter 2: examines existing legislation—still lacking in countries like Italy, where a 2018 bill remains unaddressed. In contrast, several Latin American countries have enacted specific laws. These differences reflect the cultural nature of this violence, which varies across contexts. --- Chapter 3: presents survey results indicating that many Italian women report feelings of loneliness, exhaustion, and trauma during childbirth, revealing that obstetric violence—both verbal and physical—is present and impactful in Italy. A comprehensive reform is urgently needed to address its many forms and consequences. The thesis also stresses the importance of postnatal care. Citing the report Le equilibriste (2023), it recommends stronger institutional support during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, including home visits, psychological support, and early assistance. Finally, it suggests future research should investigate the links between obstetric violence, postpartum depression, and PTSD, which are significantly interconnected. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving birth outcomes and preventing long-term effects on mothers and their children.
University of Padua. Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology. FISPPA. Bachelor’s degree in sociological sciences
Bachelor’s thesis. Academic year 2023/2024
Supervisor: Annalisa Maria Frisina. Candidate: Emma Donati
Childbirth is a transformative event that affects both the personal and social lives of women, challenging traditional gender expectations and institutional practices. This thesis explores how poor communication between health professionals and birthing women — including silences and non-consensual interventions — can lead to experiences of obstetric violence. Standardized medical care often overlooks women's real needs, contributing to feelings of abandonment, fear, and loss of agency. The lack of emotional and practical support before, during, and after birth leaves many women to face motherhood alone, managing both concrete responsibilities and emotional aftermaths. However, sharing experiences with other mothers emerges as a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and reclaiming one’s voice. Using narrative and creative methods, this research highlights the potential of community-based support and participatory practices to reshape maternal care and open new spaces for dialogue between women and healthcare professionals.
D. Morena, L. De Paola, M. Ottaviani, F. Spadazzi, M. V. Zamponi, G. Delogu, N. Di Fazio.
Clin Ter 2024; 175(1): 57-67. doi: 10.7417/CT.2024.5034
The reviewed judgments often appeared to be based on technical aspects, with a predominant focus on evaluating childbirth outcomes. However, some encouraging elements emerged, particularly regarding attention to the female body, recognition of the consequences within the intimate-relational dimension, and a commitment to the principle of self-determination through the provision of free and informed consent. Ensuring the psychophysical well-being of women and unborn children, fostering positive interactions between pregnant women and medical staff, and actively working to reduce the grounds for litigation are among the key emerging priorities in healthcare. In this regard, fundamental measures include the continuous training and education of medical staff, a strong emphasis on promoting women's self-determination, the strategic use of new technologies for this purpose, and the legal protection of women's rights.
Relatrice: Prof.ssa Quattrocchi, Patrizia. Correlatrice: Dott.ssa Luttmann, Cecilia
Laureanda: Beni, Elena
This study explores obstetric violence (OV) as a form of gender-based violence and a violation of human rights, from the perspective of midwives in Friuli Venezia Giulia. A mixed-methods questionnaire was developed using validated sources and distributed five times over six months, resulting in 78 responses, of which 56 met the inclusion criteria. The results show that midwives have a solid understanding of OV, identifying key issues such as lack of informed consent, unnecessary medical procedures, and systemic constraints. OV is seen as both an individual and institutional phenomenon, rooted in structural problems such as staff shortages, rigid protocols, medicalization, and patriarchal dynamics in healthcare. Participants highlighted the need for cultural and institutional change, increased awareness among health professionals, and stronger support for respectful care. Midwives expressed willingness to reflect and improve their practices, seeing themselves as allies to women and committed to protecting their dignity and autonomy.
Paola Delbon. * Ricercatrice, Dipartimento di Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, Science Radiologiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Mail: paola.delbon@unibs.it. Contributo sottoposto a doppio referaggio anonimo.
Mistreatment and violence against women during childbirth are not only a quality of care issue but a human rights issue (rights to life, health, bodily integrity, privacy, freedom from discrimination, respect for autonomy). The various forms of this phenomenon can occur at the individual level of the interaction between the woman and the provider as well as the structural level of the health facilities and systems; a definition that captures both these levels can help to adopt all measures to prevent and combat this phenomenon, and to modify laws, regulations and customs.
Sibilla Zoraide Maria Cipolla
This article aims to analyze the current process of birth medicalization, starting from the observation of the woman’s position during labour as evidence of the medicalized approach to gestation and childbirth. The research traces the historical origins of birth medicalization to the 17th century, when male doctors began to replace midwives, thereby breaking the traditional female exclusivity in childbirth. Focusing on the current context in Italy, the paper highlights the frequent risks of excessive medicalization by comparing hospital care practices across different geographical areas.
Marina Di Lello Finuoli
This paper examines the phenomenon of so-called obstetric violence — that is, disrespectful and/or abusive behavior by healthcare professionals towards women during labor, childbirth, and the provision of sexual and reproductive health services. The essay seeks to initiate a critical reflection on an issue that, in several countries, has already prompted legislative action, including in the realm of criminal law. Following an empirical-criminological overview of the reported cases and a description of the behaviors that may fall within the scope of "obstetric violence," the contribution assesses the legal remedies currently available under the Italian legal system. From a de lege ferenda perspective, the author considers non-criminal strategies for preventing distortions in the caregiver–birthing woman relationship and violations of women's autonomy and dignity, with particular attention to the regulation of informed consent.
Supervisor: Prof. A. Zamperini
Candidate: Nicla Meraviglia
Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA)
This exploratory study investigates obstetric violence in Italy, focusing on the lack of communication and autonomy during childbirth. Due to limitations in participant recruitment—mainly through Facebook groups—the sample may not represent all experiences, particularly those of digitally excluded women or gender-diverse individuals. The findings reveal that many women feel objectified, silenced, and deprived of agency during childbirth, often due to poor communication and disregard for their expressed needs. These experiences can have lasting effects on motherhood and self-perception. Health professionals interviewed also recognized poor communication as a central issue and emphasized the need for cultural and institutional change to promote respectful, empowering care. The study underscores the importance of inclusive, realistic narratives about childbirth to foster greater well-being for both mothers and caregivers.
Sofia Colaceci, Gloria Anderson, Veronica Ricciuto, Denise Montinaro, Giorgia Alazraki, and Desirée Mena-Tudela
Becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging. This study explored its impact on new and expectant parents in Italy and Spain through a qualitative analysis of social media posts from March 2020 to April 2021. Three key themes emerged: care, coping strategies, and the impact of legislation and anti-COVID-19 measures. Parents faced restricted partner access to antenatal care and mother–newborn separation, leading many to develop new coping mechanisms. While some hospitals maintained high care standards, parents perceived inconsistencies in healthcare regulations and measures. The pandemic heightened existing fears around pregnancy and childbirth while also introducing new concerns, particularly in the early months.
Viviana Stampini, Alice Monzani, Silvia Caristia, Gianluigi Ferrante, Martina Gerbino, Alberto De Pedrini, Roberta Amadori, Ivana Rabbone, and Daniela Surico
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, strict social distancing measures were implemented in Italy, likely having a significant impact on sensitive periods such as pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study aimed to examine changes in lifestyle, access to healthcare services, and mental well-being among Italian pregnant women and new mothers during the first lockdown. The high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in this group highlights a relevant public health concern. Clinicians should consider recommending and encouraging home-based physical exercise. However, nearly half of the participants reported adopting healthier eating habits, and a remarkably high breastfeeding rate was observed shortly after birth. These findings provide a valuable foundation for developing new public health strategies.
Cristiano Scandurra, Rosanna Zapparella, Marilina Policastro, Grazia Isabella Continisio, Alessandra Ammendola, Vincenzo Bochicchio, Nelson Mauro Maldonato, and Mariavittoria Locci
This study examined the types and incidence of obstetric violence (OV) among Italian women, its association with socio-demographic factors, and its impact on mental health. A web-based survey of 282 women assessed OV experiences, childbirth characteristics, and psychological distress. Results showed that 78.4% of participants experienced at least one form of OV, with 55.5% subjected to non-consented care and 66.4% experiencing abuse and violence. Younger age, lower education, lack of prenatal preparation, and vaginal delivery were the main risk factors. Abuse and violence had the most significant impact on mental health. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing obstetric violence.
Alice Maraschini, Edoardo Corsi, Michele Antonio Salvatore, Serena Donati, and the ItOSS COVID-19 Working Group
This study aimed to guide decision-makers and clinicians by analyzing hospital care for women who gave birth with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Italy. A national population-based cohort study included all infected women who gave birth between February 25 and April 22, 2020. The incidence rate was 2.1 per 1,000 maternities nationwide and 6.9 per 1,000 in Lombardy. One-third developed pneumonia, and nearly half received at least one treatment for COVID-19. The cesarean rate was 32.9%, with no maternal or neonatal deaths. Six percent of newborns tested positive at birth. Findings indicate that COVID-19 in pregnant women followed a similar course to that in the general population, with most experiencing mild to moderate illness.
Patrizia Quattrocchi
In Latin America, over the past decade, the term “obstetric violence” has become part of the legal framework. Specific laws against obstetric violence–gender-based violence and the violation of human rights – exist in Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Uruguay. In the European countries a political, social and medical debate on the matter is still weak. In this article, I focus on the political and formative potential of this novel concept, according to the results of the anthropological research project “Obstetric Violence”. The new goal for research, policies and human rights on childbirth”.
Elisa Bressan, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca
La campagna mediatica a sostegno della PDL Zaccagnini mira a denunciare la violenza ostetrica e a promuovere il parto fisiologico, mettendo in discussione l'ipermedicalizzazione e l’uso eccessivo del taglio cesareo. Tuttavia, alcune testimonianze evidenziano che molte donne scelgono il cesareo per sicurezza o preferenza personale, mentre in alcuni contesti si incentiva il parto vaginale, a volte con pratiche che possono portare a cesarei d’emergenza ed episiotomie evitabili. La polarizzazione tra parto naturale e cesareo rischia di limitare l'autonomia delle donne e di generare violenza simbolica verso chi sceglie quest’ultima opzione. Inoltre, le sanzioni e i nuovi protocolli per il personale sanitario potrebbero aumentare la medicalizzazione e il controllo sul parto, compromettendo il rapporto di fiducia tra medici e pazienti.
Camilla Cannone, Università degli Studi di Napoli
La consapevolezza critica sulla violenza ostetrica è un passo avanti, ma insufficiente senza un piano nazionale di prevenzione attiva. Questo dovrebbe includere la demedicalizzazione del parto, la formazione dei professionisti sanitari e una maggiore consapevolezza delle donne sui propri diritti e competenze. La violenza ostetrica, situata tra la violenza istituzionale e quella di genere, richiede la tutela dell’integrità psico-fisica delle donne e il rispetto dei loro diritti riproduttivi. Il problema del parto medicalizzato non è solo numerico, ma culturale: è necessario promuovere il rispetto della libertà della gestante, coinvolgendola nelle decisioni attraverso piani di parto personalizzati. Per prevenire questa forma di violenza, è essenziale un cambiamento culturale nell’approccio alla nascita. Serve una formazione adeguata per gli operatori sanitari, che li aiuti a superare stereotipi di genere, e un potenziamento della consapevolezza femminile nei corsi di preparazione al parto, affinché le donne conoscano meglio il proprio corpo, la maternità e i loro diritti.
Claudia Ravaldi, Elena Skoko, Alessandra Battisti, Michela Cericco, Alfredo Vannacci
This study presents sample characteristics from the first nationwide, community-based survey on obstetric violence (OV) conducted in a high-income country (Italy). The initiative extends the 2016 social media campaign #Bastatacere: Mothers Have a Voice, which highlighted abuse and disrespect in hospital childbirth care, advocating for respectful maternity care. The LOVE-THEM questionnaire was initially developed in an open format and later refined based on the WHO definition of disrespect and abuse in childbirth within a human rights framework. The survey was conducted through online interviews (CAWI method, quota sampling) with 424 respondents, representing a significant national sample of mothers with children aged 0–14 years. This report includes summary tables describing the socio-demographic distribution of the sample, including education level, employment status, and socioeconomic class.
Skoko e, ravaldi c, Vannacci a, Nespoli a, akooji N, Balaam Mc, et al. Findings from the italian Babies Born Better Survey. Minerva Ginecol 2018;70:000-000. Doi: 10.23736/S0026-4784.18.04296-X
The Babies Born Better (B3) survey is a trans-European study capturing service users' experiences of maternity care. The Italian responses were analyzed separately using qualitative (MAXQDA) and quantitative (SPSS, STATA) methods, with geomapping (Tableau Public) based on coded data and postal codes. 1,000 respondents from all Italian regions participated, giving birth in hospitals, birth centers, and at home, receiving care from midwives and obstetricians. Most reported positive experiences but also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly regarding providers, clinical procedures, birth environments, and breastfeeding support. Regional differences in maternity care experiences were evident. Mothers highly value respectful, skilled, and compassionate care that enhances their sense of personal achievement and confidence during childbirth. The birth environment plays a crucial role in supporting a positive experience. Notably, the percentage of positive feedback varied significantly across Italian regions.
Claudia Ravaldi, Elena Skoko, Alessandra Battisti, Michela Cericco, Alfredo Vannacci
This study presents sample characteristics from the first nationwide, community-based survey on obstetric violence (OV) conducted in a high-income country (Italy). The initiative extends the 2016 social media campaign #Bastatacere: Mothers Have a Voice, which highlighted abuse and disrespect in hospital childbirth care, advocating for respectful maternity care. The LOVE-THEM questionnaire was initially developed in an open format and later refined based on the WHO definition of disrespect and abuse in childbirth within a human rights framework. The survey was conducted through online interviews (CAWI method, quota sampling) with 424 respondents, representing a significant national sample of mothers with children aged 0–14 years. This report includes summary tables describing the socio-demographic distribution of the sample, including education level, employment status, and socioeconomic class.
Relatore: Dott.ssa Rosa Oro . Candidata: Mariella Trenga
This study highlights a significant gap between women’s reported birth experiences and official national data. While most participants described their birth as positive, few recognized or reported disrespectful care — even when recounting practices not recommended by the WHO, such as routine episiotomies or restricted mobility during labor. This suggests a lack of awareness, often due to insufficient prenatal education, which leads many women to normalize or even express gratitude for interventions that may undermine their autonomy. Midwives and midwifery students who participated acknowledged witnessing obstetric violence, including verbal disrespect, invasive procedures without consent, and institutional routines that compromise privacy and physiological birthing processes. Despite these accounts, the dominant narrative still centers on the gynecologist as the main actor, overshadowing the critical role of midwives in supporting natural, woman-centered births. The findings call for a shift from a highly medicalized model of birth toward a more humanized approach. This involves respecting the physiological rhythms of labor, empowering women through informed choice, and recognizing them as the true protagonists of birth. To achieve this, midwives must be supported in continuous professional development and given space to accompany women across the full reproductive journey — from preconception to postpartum — with both scientific rigor and compassionate care.
