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Cited by 65Global Maternal and Child HealthGrief, Bereavement, and Mental HealthMaternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Voices of the unheard: A qualitative survey exploring bereaved parents experiences of stillbirth stigma

Pollock, Danielle, Pearson, Elissa, Cooper, Megan, Ziaian, Tahereh, Foord, Claire, Warland, Jane·2020·Women and Birth
DOI 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.03.002
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Abstract

Background Every year, 2.6 million babies are stillborn worldwide. Despite these figures, stillbirth remains a relatively ignored public health issue. The wider literature suggests that this is due to the stigma associated with stillbirth. The stigma of stillbirth is seen as possibly one of the greatest barriers in reducing stagnant stillbirth rates and supporting bereaved parents. However, empirical evidence on the extent, type, and experiences of stillbirth stigma remain scarce. Aim This study aimed to explore the stigma experiences of bereaved parents who have endured a stillbirth. Methods An online survey of closed and open-questions with 817 participants (n=796 female; n=17 male) was conducted in high-income countries. Findings Based on self-perception, 38% of bereaved parents believed they had been stigmatised due to their stillbirth. Thematic data analysis revealed several themes consistent with Link and Phelan's stigma theory- labelling, stereotyping, status loss and discrimination, separation, and power. One more theme outside of this theory- bereaved parents as agents of change was also discovered. Conclusion Bereaved parents after stillbirth may experience stigma. Common experiences included feelings of shame, blame, devaluation of motherhood and discrimination. Bereaved parents also reported the silence of stillbirth occurred during their antenatal care with many health care providers not informing them about the possibility of stillbirth. Further research needs t…

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  • Parents' fear of experiencing stigmatization from health care professionals and the community can be a major barrier to receiving support.

    “Not only are social isolation and mental health outcomes worsened, parents’ fear of experiencing stigmatization from health care professionals (HCPs) and the community can be a major barrier to receiving support.8,12,13,15”

    From Bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately following perinatal loss: a scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [13]

  • Parents experiencing perinatal loss identify feelings of guilt and shame, general psychological distress (33% to 75%), anxiety (28% to 42%), depression (19% to 62%), anger, post-traumatic stress disorder (39%), and complicated grief.

    “parents experiencing perinatal loss identify feelings of guilt and shame, general psychological distress (33% to 75%), anxiety (28% to 42%), depression (19% to 62%), anger, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 39%), and complicated grief.8,12,13,15,16”

    From Bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately following perinatal loss: a scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [13]

  • Systematic reviews and qualitative descriptions point to evidence of the universality of negative mental health outcomes around the world among parents experiencing perinatal loss.

    “Systematic reviews and qualitative descriptions point to evidence of the universality of negative mental health outcomes around the world; parents experiencing perinatal loss identify feelings of guilt and shame, general psychological distress (33% to 75%), anxiety (28% to 42%), depression (19% to 62%), anger, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 39%), and complicated grief.8,12,13,15,16”

    From Bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately following perinatal loss: a scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [13]

  • Parents often experience social consequences with perinatal loss, including stigma, blame, isolation, shunning, loss of social status, disruption in relationships, and financial difficulties, which impact mental health outcomes.

    “The social consequences parents often experience with perinatal loss include stigma, blame, isolation, shunning, loss of social status, disruption in relationships, and financial difficulties, which impact mental health outcomes.8,13”

    From Bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately following perinatal loss: a scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [13]

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Authors
Pollock, D., Pearson, E., Cooper, M., Ziaian, T., Foord, C., & Warland, J.
Affiliations
University of South Australia (AU)
Corresponding author
Pollock, Danielle
ORCID
Venue
Women and Birth
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2020-03
Volume
33
Issue
2
Pages
165-174
ISSN
1871-5192 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.wombi.2019.03.002
OpenAlex
W2938992497
Cited by
65
References
12
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 2
FWCI
5.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Women and Birth (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) (submittedVersion)
Funders
University of South Australia
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Global Maternal and Child Health
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
Keywords
stillbirth, bereaved parents, stigma theory, shame, blame, discrimination, prenatal care, provider communication, stillbirth rate
MeSH terms
Bereavement, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, Parents, Pilot Projects, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Surveys and Questionnaires, Stillbirth, Social Stigma

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