Story perspectives

Concerns Rise Over Free Birth Society's Unassisted Childbirth Risks

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Guardian reports concerns about the Free Birth Society (FBS), based in North Carolina and operating internationally, which promotes unassisted childbirth.
The investigation links FBS to 48 cases of late-term stillbirths.
The Guardian notes FBS trains women as social media influencers and birth attendants.
It warns that online health influencers pose risks due to misinformation.
The article calls for improvements to NHS maternity services and data access in the UK.

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Story summary

The Guardian reports concerns about the Free Birth Society (FBS), based in North Carolina and operating internationally, which promotes unassisted childbirth.
The investigation links FBS to 48 cases of late-term stillbirths.
The Guardian notes FBS trains women as social media influencers and birth attendants.
It warns that online health influencers pose risks due to misinformation.
The article calls for improvements to NHS maternity services and data access in the UK.