141Incomplete Professionalization of Midwives as a Risk Factor for Obstetric Violence. Insights from Southern Italy

This chapter examines the midwifery profession in Italy, highlighting key challenges such as limited autonomy, precarious employment, insufficient training, and lack of social recognition.Based on indepth interviews with midwives in Campania (Southern Italy), the study reveals that the process of professionalization for midwifery in Italy remains incomplete.This persistent fragility undermines the implementation of the midwifery model of care, widely recognized as the gold standard for uncomplicated births.We argue that poor working conditions indirectly contribute to obstetric violence, as systemic pressures and professional constraints can negatively impact care quality.By foregrounding the role of care providers and professional ethics, this analysis shifts the lens of obstetric violence studies-traditionally focused on maternal experiences-toward the structural and professional dimensions of maternity care, addressing a critical gap in current literature. The evolving role of midwives: professional and social transformationsMidwives today are qualified healthcare professionals responsible for assisting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.According to current Italian regulations, in cases of eutocic births, midwives are those who can provide care independently, assuming full responsibility (Ministerial Decree No. 740/94).However, the social role, expertise and independence of this professional figure have undergone profound changes in Italy, as well as across the Western world, throughout the last few centuries, and particularly during the 20th century.Historically, the role of birth attendants was fulfilled by traditional, non professionalized figures who inherited the folk female knowledge associated withThis chapter is the result of the joint work of both authors.However, the first paragraph was written by Sara Fariello, the second by Giuditta Mitidieri.The third presents the results of an empirical research coordinated by Sara Fariello and conducted by Fariello and Mitidieri.