QC councilor eyes lift of ban on home births

MANILA, Philippines - After endorsing an ordinance that prohibited all forms of home-based child deliveries in the city, a Quezon City councilor is now moving to amend the measure to allow such practice provided that they comply with the requirements set by the local government.

“The city acknowledges every person’s right for their autonomous choice about their private life,” fourth district councilor Jessica Castelo-Daza said in her proposed amendment.

“Home births are not illegal per se, most especially in well-planned deliveries. The risk of maternal and fetal mortality can be lessened through proper arrangement and coordination of home deliveries,” she added.

In her proposed amendment, Castelo-Daza said home-based child deliveries shall be allowed if the expecting mother issues a letter of intent and obtains clearance from an OB gynecologist and a pediatrician.

The councilor said that there should also be a simplified contract of agreement with a hospital and barangay ensuring that ambulance service will be provided to the mother in case of emergencies. A processing fee of P250 will also be collected.

In her proposed amendment, Castelo-Daza maintained that no traditional birth attendant will be allowed to deliver the babies.

Instead, she said that professional health practitioners will be the only ones allowed to conduct the delivery. Their documents showing their qualifications will have to be submitted as part of the requirements set by the amendments.

“Traditional home birth assistants, having no proper licensing or certification… may only assist in deliveries and are not allowed to be the main attendant in home deliveries and deliveries in medical facilities,” said the councilor.

In 2012, Mayor Herbert Bautista approved an ordinance authored by Castelo-Daza that made it mandatory for traditional birth attendants to refer their clients only to licensed medical facilities.

Professional health practitioners were likewise prohibited from practising home-based child birth services, but are instead required to deliver babies only in legitimate health facilities.

A fine of P5,000 will be imposed on those violating the measure, which sought to protect the mother and her unborn child against any complication that may arise during child birth.

The proposed amendment to this measure is currently pending before the city council.