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Impact of midwifery-led units in Spain: lessons from the first 5 years

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  • Palau-Costafreda, Roser
  • Orus-Covisa, Lluna
  • Vicente-Castellví, Edgar
  • Espada-Trespalacios, Xavier
  • Català, Albert Medina
  • Alcover, Carlota
  • Gutiérrez, Noemí Obregón
  • Escuriet, Ramon
  • Padrosa, Eva

Abstract

There has been a growing concern over rising medical interventions during childbirth, particularly caesarean sections, without corresponding improvements in maternal or neonatal outcomes. Midwifery-led units (MLUs) offer a model that promotes physiological birth while reducing unnecessary interventions. In Spain, where maternity care is predominantly hospital-based and obstetrician-led, the first public MLU opened in Catalonia in 2017. Its temporary closure after five years offers a unique opportunity to assess its impact on interventions and outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Palau-Costafreda, Roser & Orus-Covisa, Lluna & Vicente-Castellví, Edgar & Espada-Trespalacios, Xavier & Català, Albert Medina & Alcover, Carlota & Gutiérrez, Noemí Obregón & Escuriet, Ramon & Padrosa,, 2025. "Impact of midwifery-led units in Spain: lessons from the first 5 years," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:162:y:2025:i:c:s0168851025001964
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2025.105441
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yu, Serena & Fiebig, Denzil G. & Scarf, Vanessa & Viney, Rosalie & Dahlen, Hannah G. & Homer, Caroline, 2020. "Birth models of care and intervention rates: The impact of birth centres," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(12), pages 1395-1402.
    2. Overgaard, Charlotte & Fenger-Grøn, Morten & Sandall, Jane, 2012. "The impact of birthplace on women’s birth experiences and perceptions of care," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(7), pages 973-981.
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