Stillbirth: costs beyond the lives

The journal “BMC Pregnancy and childbirth” has published an article exploring the economic costs of stillbirth.  Following a recent study which explored the direct costs of stillbirth, this study aimed to explore the intangible costs by exploring factors such as the psychological impact on families and their economic implications.  The researchers carried out a narrative review of previous studies which were focussed on the psychological consequences of stillbirth, drawing out common themes for analysis.

The study’s conclusion states: “The psychological effects of stillbirth adversely impacts on the daily functioning, relationships and employment of those affected with far-reaching economic implications. Knowledge of the intangible costs of stillbirth is therefore important to accurately estimate the size of the impact on families and health services and to inform policy and decision making.”

Read the research abstract here