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Why concern is growing around the 'free birth' movement in Ireland
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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 that such births are linked with “perinatal and maternal mortality and severe morbidity”.
So what is driving this choice? How are home births different from free births? What role do online free birth influencers play in this dangerous movement? And how has Naomi’s family coped since her tragic death?
Irish Times reporter Ellen Coyne investigated free births in Ireland, and the people advocating them.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
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