201Homebirth in Italy: An Alternative to Medicalisation And Vulnerability to Violence in Healthcare Facilities

In Italy, as in many Western countries, homebirth represents a radical alternative to hospitalbased childbirth, accessible mainly to healthy women with sufficient information and economic means.Based on qualitative research conducted between 2022 and 2024 with homebirthers, domiciliary midwives, doulas, and other professionals, the study reveals a widespread mistrust of hospital birth, perceived as a site of disrespect and invasive practices.Women often choose homebirth or midwifeled birth centres (case maternità) to avoid what they view as the rigid, medicalised protocols of mainstream healthcare.This chapter explores the forms of care that make homebirth a meaningful choice for some women and a professional commitment for birth workers.It examines how participants understand the roots and manifestations of obstetric violence, and discusses the potential -both imagined and practiced -for greater collaboration and integration bet ween homebirth professionals and the public healthcare system.