Italian hospitals face investigations after two maternal deaths

A 22‑year‑old woman, Marianna Lapadula, died following a cesarean delivery at the San Giovanni di Dio hospital in Melfi, while her newborn survived. Regional officials Vito Bardi and Cosimo Latronico announced an internal probe and the Prosecutor’s Office in Potenza opened a criminal investigation. An autopsy has been ordered for the mother.

In Bari, Graziella Nannavecchia died in early April after a fetal surgery at the Di Venere hospital; the procedure also claimed the lives of her twin fetuses. Her partner, Fabrizio Gentile, filed a detailed complaint with the Bari Prosecutor, which is investigating possible culpable homicide in the medical care. Autopsies have been performed on the twins, while one for the mother is pending. Both cases have sparked calls for clarity on clinical responsibility.

Regional authorities expressed grief, stating, “In questo momento di immenso dolore … ci stringiamo con affetto e commozione attorno al marito, al neonato e a tutta la famiglia.”