Freebirth – giving birth without any trained medical professional present – is facing growing scrutiny in Australia, as tragic outcomes and cult-like behaviours are exposed.
Origins of the freebirth movement
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many women began looking for alternatives to hospital births. According to a recent ABC article, Angela Gallo, a prominent birth influencer, noticed her social media followers increasingly turning to freebirth –
a practice she once supported through her doula training course, Dynamo Doulas.
But the movement shifted rapidly. Once about empowerment and choice, parts of it became aggressively anti-hospital, anti-midwife, and anti-science. Some doulas rebranded themselves as “radical birthkeepers”, attending births without qualifications or clinical training – often encouraging women to avoid medical care even in life-threatening situations.
Tragic outcomes spark alarm
Angela Gallo shut down her course after police contacted her regarding multiple deaths and injuries linked to her former trainees. In one case, a newborn died just hours after a freebirth in NSW. Two unregistered birth workers were later charged with manslaughter – a matter which is still before the courts.
In another tragic case, a mother died during a freebirth in Queensland. Her doula friend later sought donations of “unvaccinated breastmilk” online. These are not isolated incidents – in just 18 months, seven babies and two mothers died in freebirths across parts of NSW and Queensland.
A mother’s story: cult-like control
Lucy (not her real name) was drawn into the movement after a traumatic caesarean. Her second pregnancy was attended by a self-described “authentic birthkeeper” who used a Doppler, ran a 70-member WhatsApp group, and discouraged hospital intervention – despite not being a registered midwife.
When complications arose during labour – including sharp abdominal pain and meconium-stained waters (a warning sign of foetal distress) – Lucy’s concerns were dismissed. Her birthkeeper insisted she was “sabotaging” her birth. No transfer to hospital was arranged until Lucy made the call herself.
At hospital, her baby was delivered following complications (shoulder dystocia) and required life support. Thankfully, her baby survived – but Lucy was cast out of the freebirth group for “failing” to follow through without medical intervention.
Accountability and systemic reform
There’s no proper regulation for doulas in Australia, and many women are unaware that birthkeepers are not medically trained. With hospital trauma still widespread, the appeal of freebirth is understandable. However, experts argue that this should not come at the cost of safety.
Calls for reform are growing. Advocates are urging governments to invest in publicly funded homebirth programs with qualified midwives, to bridge the gap between overly medicalised care and unsupported birth.
The NSW government has committed to trauma-informed maternity care and expanded midwife access in rural areas. Queensland is also trialling public homebirth programs. But until women feel safe and heard in the mainstream system, some may continue to turn to dangerous alternatives.
A call for balance, not extremism
Angela Gallo, who now works only in postpartum care, says the solution is not to criminalise women, but to fix the system that fails them.
“We need to do the work to make women feel safe. Otherwise, we’re just repeating the same trauma,” she says.
When Freebirth Becomes Negligence
While freebirth may begin as a personal choice, it can become unsafe and create legal uncertainty when misinformation, delay in treatment, or misrepresentation causes otherwise preventable personal injury and harm (to both baby and mum).
In public and private hospital settings, doctors and midwives owe a clear duty of care. When this is duty is breached – for example, failing to respond to signs of foetal distress– families may be able to pursue a medical negligence claim.
But when unqualified birthkeepers operate as though they have medical/professional authority – using tools like Dopplers, performing vaginal exams, or advising against hospital transfer – mothers and babies are at increased risk of potentially non-compensable personal injury, loss and damage. The absence of accountability and regulatory oversight leaves parents with little protection when things go wrong.
If you or your baby have suffered harm during childbirth – whether in a hospital, homebirth or freebirth setting – it’s important to understand your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical negligence.
Need advice?
Call us on 02 4050 0330 or visit our Birth Injury Services page to speak with our experienced team today.
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.
