A year-long investigation into the Free Birth Society (FBS), a multimillion-dollar business based in North Carolina, has uncovered serious concerns including dangerous medical claims and stillbirths linked to its followers. The organisation, led by Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark, promotes unassisted childbirth without midwives or doctors.
The Guardian reviewed hundreds of hours of FBS podcasts, videos, and course materials, interviewed 10 former insiders, and analysed thousands of pages of documents relating to births by its followers. More than 60 mothers influenced by FBS were also interviewed.
Five key findings emerged. Firstly, FBS profits from sales of instructional freebirth guides and paid membership groups, as well as two online schools training 'radical birth keepers' and 'authentic midwives'. Secondly, the investigation identified multiple stillbirths linked to FBS followers who chose unassisted births.
Thirdly, dangerous medical claims were promoted, including advice against essential prenatal care and interventions. Fourthly, former insiders described a culture of pressure to avoid medical assistance even in emergencies. Finally, leading obstetricians and midwifery experts consulted criticised FBS's approach as putting mothers and babies at risk.
The findings will be explored in the Guardian podcast series 'The Birth Keepers', released in December.
