# Italian investigation into newborn death

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-investigation-into-newborn-death
> Updated: 2026-09-27T07:52:11.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

An investigation continues in Italy following the death of newborn Pietro Porzi on September 16 at the Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital in Perugia. The infant was transferred from the San Giovanni Battista hospital in Foligno due to complications following his birth.

An autopsy performed by forensic pathologist Donatella Fedeli has provided preliminary findings, revealing a head hemorrhage but no evident pre-existing pathologies. Investigators are specifically examining the use of an obstetric vacuum during the delivery to determine if the procedure caused the fatal bleeding. While such devices can cause temporary swelling, reports indicate the bleeding in this case continued.

The Perugia Prosecutor’s Office, led by substitute prosecutor Massimo Casucci, has placed 22 healthcare professionals—including doctors, obstetricians, and nurses—under investigation for manslaughter and medical negligence. The probe is reviewing whether emergency protocols were followed and if timely interventions were made after the infant’s condition worsened four hours after birth.

Authorities have seized medical records from both facilities to reconstruct the clinical course of the pregnancy and subsequent care. Final conclusions from the medical-legal assessments are expected within approximately two months.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Perugia prosecutors investigate 22 medics after newborn death

An autopsy of a newborn who died in Perugia revealed a head hemorrhage. 22 healthcare workers are under investigation for manslaughter and medical negligence following the use of an obstetric vacuum during a Fo

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/perugia-prosecutors-investigate-22-medics-after-newborn-death

### 2026-09-23: Perugia prosecutors investigate 22 medics over newborn's death

Twenty-two healthcare workers in Italy are under investigation for manslaughter following the death of a newborn after birth complications in Foligno and Perugia.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/perugia-prosecutors-investigate-22-medics-over-newborns-death

### 2026-09-20: Italy investigation launched into newborn death

Italian authorities have opened an investigation into the death of a newborn following a transfer from a hospital in Foligno to intensive care in Perugia to determine if medical malpractice occurred.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-investigation-launched-into-newborn-death

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Cite as: Italian investigation into newborn death. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-investigation-into-newborn-death