October 7, 2002 – The phenomenon is still very marginal, but it is growing: some women choose to give birth alone, at home and without any assistance. A practice deemed risky by both doctors and midwives.
In the United States, the Internet is full of sites, discussion forums, and links to books on the subject and video clips. However, there is no statistical data to illustrate the extent of the phenomenon in this country.
Certain groups and associations are convinced of the relevance of this practice. This is the case of Center of Unhindered Living who believes that every woman has the right to choose how she wishes to give birth. “Individuals are not forced to conform to the social norm controlled by the institutions (schools, religions, modern medicine and government) that perpetuate the myths of our society,” it says in substance on the Centre’s website. The Center even believes that the high rate of infant mortality in the United States (6.67 deaths per 1,000 live births against 3.79 in Finland) could be explained by the high medicalization of childbirth in this country.
Elsewhere in the world, in developing countries, 60 million children are born each year without assistance or with the help of an inexperienced person. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most women in these countries, far from giving birth by choice (unlike Western women), do so either because they do not have access to a doctor or a midwife, or they are unable to afford their services.
In Quebec, there are still few women who give birth alone at home. According to the Ministry of Health, 152 births took place at home in 1998, or 0.2% of total births that year. “Legally, women can give birth wherever they want with or without assistance,” says Lucie Hamelin, midwife and spokesperson for the group “Midwives of Quebec”. “However, we believe that it is preferable to have the assistance of a midwife or a doctor, depending on the woman’s choice. Ms. Hamelin believes that women who choose to give birth alone at home do so, either because they do not have access to the services of a midwife, or because they are very well prepared. thing.
The law on midwives allows these professionals to practice their art in birthing centers, at home and in hospitals. But until today, the practice is actually only allowed in birthing centers and this, due to a lack of political will on the part of the government, according to Ms. Hamelin. “If midwives had the right to perform home deliveries, the number of women taking the initiative to deliver alone at home would drop dramatically,” says Hamelin. The group therefore asks the government to implement the article of the law which allows midwives to perform deliveries at home and in hospital.
Stéphane Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
