Inclusion and health in transition: the case of midwifery services for migrant women

This study examines the provisions of health services for migrant women in Italy, focusing on midwifery and childbirth care. It analyses the challenges posed by demographic transitions within the Italian healthcare system. Conducted in Calabria between October and November 2024, the field-research has involved migrant women, midwives and reception operators in order to grasp personal experiences and systemic issues. Findings reveal critical gaps in reproductive health services, especially regarding cultural differences, legal barriers, and institutional inefficiencies. The medicalization of childbirth, as standardizing care, often marginalizes migrant women’s experiential knowledge, emphasizing the need for more inclusive practices. This study underscores the importance of culturally sensitive policies and practices to ensure equitable healthcare access and bridge gaps between formal health services and informal community support.