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.