NATIVIDAD, Pangasinan, Philippines – The municipal council here recently passed an ordinance banning home birthing and deliveries by traditional birth attendants.
Councilor Rose Ann Rafael said the measure aims to reduce cases of maternal and neonatal deaths and risks caused by childbirth outside a health care facility.
“Even if a woman is very healthy…complications may arise when giving birth and delivering at home. Without adequate emergency facilities and equipment, it can pose danger to the mother and infant,” she said.
Citing a United Nations International Children’s Fund study, Rafael said eight of 10 births in rural and urban poor areas are delivered outside a health facility and attended by unprofessional attendants, commonly known as “hilot” or “kumadrona.”
Traditional birth attendants and pregnant women who violate the ordinance face a fine of P1,500, P2,000 and P2,500 each for the first, second and third offense, respectively.