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Unveiling the unseen: Exploring stigma in stillbirth care through interdisciplinary narratives
Agata Freedle1, Natasha Nurse-Clarke2, Jessica Sember3
1College of Education, Department of Educational Science and Professional Programs, University of Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Death Studies
|September 18, 2025
Summary
This study reveals how stigma affects stillbirth care, impacting parents and providers. Addressing biases and improving institutional culture are key to better care and compassionate support for bereaved families.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Health
- Healthcare Disparities
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Stigma in healthcare settings is a known problem impacting patient care.
- Research on stigma specifically within stillbirth care is limited.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving support for affected families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine stigmatizing behaviors in stillbirth care.
- To investigate the impact of stigma on the psychological well-being of parents and healthcare providers.
- To identify strategies for reducing stigma in stillbirth care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study design.
- Exploration of interdisciplinary healthcare professionals' experiences.
- Thematic analysis to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Four major themes emerged: personal/societal/racial/cultural bias, care quality/patient engagement, psychological/behavioral/health impacts, and institutional culture/preparedness.
- Stigmatizing behaviors were identified as negatively affecting care quality and provider/patient well-being.
- Healthcare professionals' experiences highlighted systemic issues contributing to stigma.
Conclusions:
- Reducing stigma requires addressing individual biases and institutional factors.
- Improving the quality of stillbirth care necessitates a more compassionate and prepared healthcare environment.
- Findings offer insights into strategies for supporting families experiencing stillbirth and their care providers.
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