Danish regions monitor rise in home births against medical advice

More pregnant women in Denmark are choosing home births despite warnings from health authorities, with at least three regions now tracking the trend, according to a DR investigation.

In 2025, 100 women across Region Hovedstaden, Region Syddanmark, and Region Sjælland proceeded with home births after being advised against it by medical professionals. The figures—44 in the capital region, 15 in southern Denmark, and 41 in Zealand—reflect a growing concern among midwives, who report increasing skepticism toward hospital guidelines.

Eline Alsløw Anthis, a midwife and coordinator for Region Hovedstaden’s home birth program, noted that while some risks (such as a BMI slightly above recommendations) may be minor, others—like uterine rupture or severe bleeding—cannot be safely managed outside a hospital. “There are complications we simply cannot treat at home,” she said.

The most common reasons for discouraging home births include a BMI over 35, Group B streptococcus infection, gestational diabetes, prior severe hemorrhage, or antidepressant use. Yet some women reject these warnings, citing distrust of rigid hospital protocols or traumatic past experiences.

Stina Lou, an anthropologist at Defactum, linked the trend to broader dissatisfaction with risk-focused maternity care. “Women feel the system emphasizes what can go wrong, not what their bodies are capable of,” she said. Some opt for unassisted “freebirths,” rejecting medical oversight entirely.

Regional health officials have begun compiling data to better understand the shift, as midwives report more women questioning professional advice—sometimes influenced by online groups where uncertified birth workers offer guidance.