Myth: Someone is always to blame for perinatal death

Most perinatal deaths occur before birth due to conditions such as placental issues or fetal anomalies, and sometimes there are a combination of factors involved. A very small number of baby deaths in Ireland occur during labour (46). 

Perinatal deaths are distressing and traumatic for families. Seeking answers as to why their baby died is a normal response (49).

The investigation of the cause of a baby’s death also examines contributing factors within the healthcare system. Reviews should be open, transparent and timely. Ideally reviews should be focused on improving care rather than fostering fears among staff of punishment or litigation (51). Media discourse and culture of blame can negatively impact staff personally and professionally and ultimately patient care (58,59).

References

(46) San Lazaro Campillo I, Manning E, Corcoran P, Keane J, McKernan J, Greene RA, et al. Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit in Ireland Annual Report 2022. Cork: National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; 2024. Available from: https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/training-2024/trainingacademia190/PerinatalMortalityFormReport2022-3526AW.pdf. 

(49) Helps Ä, O’Donoghue K, O’Connell O, Leitao S. Bereaved parents involvement in maternity hospital perinatal death review processes: ‘Nobody even thought to ask us anything’. Health Expectations. 2023;26(1):183–98.

(51) O’Connor E, Helps A, Greene R, O’Donoghue K, Leitao S. Maternity staff views on implementing a national perinatal mortality review tool: understanding barriers and facilitators. Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2025;53(4):454–66.

(58) Humphries N, McAleese S, Matthews A, Brugha R. ‘Emigration is a matter of self-preservation. The working conditions . . . are killing us slowly’: qualitative insights into health professional emigration from Ireland. Human Resources for Health. 2015;13:35.

(59) McCarthy CM, O’Sullivan S, Corcoran P, Eogan M, Bennett D, Horgan M, O'Donoghue K. Medicine, media and the law: The effect on training in obstetrics and gynaecology. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2021;257:35–41.