Perugia prosecutors investigate 22 medics after newborn death

An autopsy has been performed on a newborn who died at a Perugia hospital shortly after birth following complications in Foligno. Preliminary findings from the autopsy, conducted by forensic pathologist Donatella Fedeli, revealed a head hemorrhage but no evident pre-existing pathologies.

Investigators are focusing on the use of an obstetric vacuum during the natural birth to determine if the procedure caused the fatal bleeding. While the vacuum can cause temporary swelling, in this instance, the bleeding reportedly continued. The infant was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit in Perugia after conditions worsened four hours after birth, where they subsequently died.

The Perugia Prosecutor's Office has placed 22 healthcare workers—including doctors, obstetricians, and nurses—under investigation for manslaughter and medical negligence. Authorities are reviewing medical documentation to establish whether emergency protocols were followed correctly and if timely interventions were made to save the infant. Final conclusions from the medical-legal assessments are expected within two months.