Midwives recognise women as primary decision makers. The California College of Midwives supports a woman's right to choose to give birth in her own home with her family. The World Health Organisation describes health as multi-dimensional. Women must be free to make decisions regarding birth based on all of these factors.
Birth is more than a physical or medical event.
It also makes possible the active involvement of the patient in planning and care through a process that includes ongoing shared information and developing choices. This freedom is maximised in relationships marked by mutuality and equality. Safety For parents and care providers concerned with childbirth, the issue of safety is central. In supporting normal birth at home, the California College of Midwives is not advocating that all births take place at home. There are mothers and babies who will be safer in hospital and many mothers will choose hospital birth.