Freebirth, Wildbirth, and the Price of Autonomy

Welcome to the no spin podcast. In today's episode, we're tackling a subject that's gaining traction but carries significant risks: the freebirth and wildbirth movement. We'll explore the rising trends of unassisted childbirth, where individuals choose to forgo professional medical care during labor and delivery- or during the prenatal period altogether, and the potential devastating outcomes associated with these practices. Join us as we unpack the motivations behind these choices, the lack of evidence supporting their safety, and the serious harms that can arise for both parent and baby. We'll be examining medical guidelines, and real-world consequences to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this complex issue. It’s a balance between patient autonomy, advocacy, and potentially allowing an atrocity. Listen in for details.

1. Apr 20, 2020 ACOG Statement on Birth Settings: https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2020/04/acog-statement-on-birth-settings

2. Planned Home Birth ACOG CO 697

3. https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/nov/22/free-birth-society-linked-to-babies-deaths-investigation

4. https://birthguidechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/home_births_rcog_rcm0607.pdf