Why concern is growing around the 'free birth' movement in Ireland
This episode was originally published in June 2026.
Naomi James (38) was pregnant with her fourth child when, disillusioned with Ireland's maternity services, she chose to give birth at home without medical assistance.
Shortly after her baby was born at home in Drogheda in June 2024, she became ill and was taken to hospital, where she died.
Naomi was just one of an unknown but growing number of women in Ireland who opt for a free birth, – to have their babies without a midwife or doctor present.
Such is the concern over free births that the State’s directors of midwifery have warned the HSE…
The skinny
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