Traumatic Decapitation of the Fetus During Birth: Criminalistic and Forensic Aspects

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2020 Sep;41(3):234-237. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000556.

Abstract

Serious intrapartum fetal injuries are unfortunate events that confer severe consequences on medical personnel. Most birth traumas are noncritical and resolve for a few days. Permanent effects or fatal outcomes occur infrequently. We report an unusual case of intrapartum complete fetal decapitation. The labor was complicated by shoulder dystocia, with resultant repeated mechanical trauma to the fetal neck and, finally, decapitation. The tragic results of biological processes in human organisms do not automatically confirm medical malpractice. However, there may be grave ethical and forensic outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Birth Injuries / complications*
  • Decapitation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Labor, Induced
  • Pregnancy
  • Shoulder Dystocia*
  • Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / adverse effects*