Room for Debate: Is Home Birth Ever a Safe Choice?

When Risks Are Low, A Safe Choice

Tekoa King, Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health

In Britain, women are actually advised to have children at home or in a birth center, rather than a hospital, when the pregnancy is low-risk.

Home Birth Is Not Safe

Amos Grunebaum and Frank Chervenak, NewYork-Presbyterian

In the United States, those who support home birth as safe are propagating junk science.

What Risk Is Acceptable?

Aaron Caughey, Oregon Health and Science University

As long as women know the risks and benefits of location of birth, hopefully they are able to make a decision that reflects their preferences.

My Experience with Home Birth

Aja Graydon, musician

The first time was motivated by the practicality of it: I was self-employed and without health insurance at the time.

Emergency Care Can Be Too Urgent for Home Births

John Jennings, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The ability of a physician to rapidly provide care can be the difference between life or death for both mother and baby.

Hospitals Carry Their Own Risks

Marinah Valenzuela Farrell, Midwives Alliance of North America

Certified professional midwives and certified nurse midwives should be licensed to practice independently in all 50 states.