Attitudes toward Stillbirth and Death Threat Level in a Sample of Obstetricians

The exact attitudes that physicians hold toward stillbirth have never been empirically explored. Seventy obstetricians and obstetrical residents were polled on their attitudes regarding stillbirth. Physicians simultaneously were assessed for their level of death threat as measured by the Threat Index. No effect of death threat level on attitudes toward stillbirth was observed, even when extreme scores were isolated and compared. Possible reasons for the lack of findings is discussed. Patterns of physicians's responses about perinatal grief are presented. Further dissemination of information on the grief following perinatal loss is encouraged.