When babies die: Death and the education of obstetrical residents

Abstract

This paper, based on 4 years in a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in which the author was both a resident physician and anthropologist participant-observer, explores how obstetrical residents are taught to deal with the birth of anomalous and/or dead or dying babies. Not only is formal training lacking in this area, but residents may be strongly sanctioned for any emotional response in such situations. This paper argues that unless, and until, residents are taught to recognize and deal with, rather than repress, their responses, these physicians-in-training will not be equipped to help grieving parents deal with these situations.