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Revista Matronas

Revista Matronas

SEPTIEMBRE 2025 N° 2 Volumen 13

The placenta, an endless treasure

Section: Revisions

Authors

1 Ángela Torres Díaz, 2 Teresa Morilla Aragón

Position

1 Matrona. Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga. Doctora por la Universidad de Málaga. Responsable de la Unidad Docente de Enfermería Obstétrico Ginecológica (Matrona). Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga. España 2 Matrona. Distrito sanitario Málaga-Valle del Guadalhorce. España

Contact email: angelatravel.01@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: the placenta is a temporary fetal organ that plays an essential role in the health and wellbeing of the fetus and its mother. Its study and experimentation have generated a number of current therapy options. The use of the placenta after delivery depends on the birth setting. Currently, there is an increasing demand in hospitals by women who request their placenta in order to conduct certain cultural and religious rites. It is essential to guarantee the dignity and autonomy of mothers. Objectives: to obtain knowledge about the different uses of placenta throughout time and the existence of legal support or current bibliography in order to conduct the procedure of delivering their placenta to those women who require them. Methodology: a narrative review of literature was conducted on the PubMed, CINAHL and EBSCO databases; there was also a search for grey literature using Academic Google and the Google browser. Articles in English and Spanish were included; and exceptionally and in some cases, also in French. In total, 44 articles and three books were selected for writing the article. Discussion and Conclusions: no legal impediment was detected in national or international legislation that prevented delivering their placenta to women. The legal treatment of placenta varies among different countries. Regulatory legislation is needed for withdrawal of placentas from hospitals; failing this, it is necessary to include this procedure in hospital protocols. All professionals, particularly midwives and obstetricians, must be informed about this and be respectful of the religious and cultural beliefs of women, also in this specific case.

Keywords:

history; traditional medicine; placenta; cultural practices; rituals; midwives

Versión en Español

Título:

La placenta, un tesoro inagotable

Artículo completo no disponible en este idioma / Full article is not available in this language

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