Riccione midwifery training for trans healthcare sparks political dispute

A planned training session for midwives regarding transgender pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding has sparked a political dispute in Italy. The session, organized by the Italian Association of Obstetrics (Aio) for its national congress in Riccione on October 3 and 4, is set to award 10.5 continuing medical education (ECM) credits recognized by the Ministry of Health.

Representatives from the political group Futuro Nazionale have announced plans to submit a parliamentary inquiry to Health Minister Schillaci. The group criticized the initiative, arguing that gender ideology is permeating the healthcare system and requesting a review of the criteria used to assign medical credits to such sessions. They contend the training contradicts traditional views of family and parenthood.

In response, Arcigay Rimini criticized the political opposition, stating that the training is based on biological realities. They noted that transgender individuals who suspend hormone therapy can become fertile and give birth, necessitating trained professionals to ensure the safety of both the patient and the fetus. The association accused politicians of attempting to impose ideological censorship on scientific and medical training.