Newborn baby dies during childbirth, doctor and midwife convicted

The facts date back three years ago. The two doctors waited "too long" before proceeding with the cesarean section

ROME – A gynecologist and a midwife from the San Martino hospital in Genoa were sentenced to one year and six months each for the death of a newborn baby during childbirth. The facts date back three years ago. The two doctors had been accused of manslaughter because, according to the medical examiner’s opinion, they waited “too long” before proceeding with the caesarean section. A late decision, therefore, which would have led the newborn to her death.

The baby’s mother had carried on with the pregnancy without problems. On April 26, the first contractions arrived and the caesarean section was ordered after more than 24 hours when the doctors realized that the baby had an irregular heartbeat.
During the operation the little girl died despite the attempts resuscitation measures implemented by medical staff. The family members immediately underlined how none of the doctors “had spoken of a dangerous situation or highlighted the urgency of the operation”.