Within months of the death of Lorren's baby, Journey Moon, and the subsequent public backlash against the Free Birth Society (FBS), founder Emilee Saldaya took the organization's membership private. This move transformed FBS into a secret global multimillion-dollar empire, according to a year-long investigation by Guardian journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne.
From Public Outcry to Private Profit
The tragedy involving Journey Moon sparked widespread criticism of FBS, which promotes unassisted home births. Instead of retreating, Saldaya pivoted the business model, moving membership behind closed doors. The shift allowed FBS to evade public scrutiny while dramatically expanding its reach and revenue.
Episode four of the podcast series The Birth Keepers, originally published on 10 December 2025, details how Saldaya capitalized on the controversy. Journalists Kale and Osborne uncovered that FBS now operates through a network of private online groups and paid subscriptions, generating millions in annual income.
Global Reach and Financial Growth
The investigation reveals that FBS membership has grown to over 100,000 paying members worldwide, with annual revenues exceeding $5 million. The private model enables the organization to avoid regulatory oversight and public accountability. Saldaya has also expanded into merchandise, online courses, and exclusive events.
According to Kale and Osborne, former members and insiders describe a culture of secrecy and financial exploitation. One former FBS employee stated, “The focus shifted entirely from supporting women to making money. It became a business first, community second.”
Backlash and Legal Questions
The death of Journey Moon raised serious questions about the safety of unassisted childbirth practices promoted by FBS. Critics argue that the organization discourages medical intervention, putting mothers and babies at risk. Legal experts have questioned whether FBS could face liability for harm resulting from its advice.
Despite the controversy, Saldaya has continued to expand her empire. The investigation notes that FBS now operates in over 30 countries, with a growing presence in Australia, Canada, and the UK. The organization uses encrypted messaging apps and private social media groups to coordinate activities.
Ongoing Investigation
The Birth Keepers podcast series continues to explore the impact of the free birth movement. Future episodes will examine the experiences of families affected by FBS practices and the regulatory challenges facing governments. The Guardian investigation has prompted calls for greater oversight of online birth-related communities.
