The Free Birth Society promoted a simple message to pregnant women: exit the medical system and reclaim power through free birthing. However, Nicole Garrison says the group's ideology nearly cost her her life.
The Birth Keepers Investigation
This is episode one of a year-long investigation by Guardian journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne, titled 'The Birth Keepers,' originally published on 10 December 2025. The series examines the dangers and consequences of unassisted childbirth.
According to Garrison, the Free Birth Society's rhetoric encouraged her to avoid medical care during pregnancy and birth, leading to a life-threatening situation. She believes that without the group's influence, she would have sought proper medical attention.
Impact on Women
The investigation highlights how such ideologies can put women at risk. The Guardian's reporting aims to shed light on the hidden dangers of free birthing movements and their impact on maternal health.
