Unveiling the unseen: Exploring stigma in stillbirth care through interdisciplinary narratives

Stigma in healthcare settings is a well-documented issue that affects patient care and outcomes. However, limited research has explored how stigma impacts stillbirth care specifically. This study aims to address the gap in existing literature by providing detailed examinations of the stigmatizing behaviors and their impact on the psychological well-being of parents and providers. The study used a qualitative descriptive design to explore experiences of interdisciplinary health care professionals. Four themes were identified through thematic analysis: (1) personal, societal, racial, and cultural bias; (2) care quality and patient engagement; (3) psychological, behavioral, and health impacts; (4) institutional culture and preparedness. This study contributes to understanding strategies that can reduce stigma, improve the quality of care, and foster a more compassionate healthcare environment for families affected by stillbirth.