Bologna Couple on Trial for Neglecting HIV-Positive Daughter
A couple is on trial in Bologna, Italy, accused of aggravated mistreatment of their daughter after allegedly concealing the mother’s HIV-positive status and delaying medical care for the child for over five years. The case highlights the severe consequences of neglecting a child’s health and obstructing medical intervention.
Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
The daughter, born in Spain in 2017, was not seen by a pediatrician until July 2023, when she presented with a persistent fever and cough. Initial examinations revealed malnutrition, poor dental health, and inadequate growth. Further testing led to the diagnosis of advanced HIV infection. The parents reportedly chose to supply birth abroad and avoid healthcare facilities to circumvent checks for potential HIV transmission, newborn screenings, and vaccination requirements.
Parental Obstruction and Hospitalization
Following the initial pediatrician visit, the child required prolonged hospitalization at Maggiore Hospital in Bologna, and later at other facilities including Meyer Hospital in Florence. During this time, the parents allegedly resisted medical recommendations and interfered with the child’s care, even removing medication from the hospital. The mother eventually admitted her HIV-positive status, explaining the decision to deliver the baby in Spain was to avoid medical scrutiny.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Prosecutors allege the parents were fully aware of the mother’s HIV status and failed to take any preventative measures during pregnancy or in the child’s early years. They are charged with aggravated mistreatment causing serious injury, with the diagnostic delay estimated to be more than five years. The girl is currently in foster care with her mother, and the parental rights of both parents are under examination by the Juvenile Court. A preliminary hearing is underway, with the next hearing scheduled for May 18.
Defense Argument
The parents, represented by lawyer Pasqualino Miraglia, maintain they are not anti-vaccination and claim the decision to give birth in Spain was due to family ties – the mother’s family originates from Colombia and resides in Spain. They also assert that the child received medical care in Spain until 2019 and was seen by a private pediatrician in Bologna before the official appointment in November 2022. The defense intends to argue the intent behind the alleged mistreatment during the trial.