October 26, 2020

The Philippines Has A Policy Against Home Births. It's Not Playing Well In A Pandemic-NPR

Risa Calibuso, 34, wanted to give birth to her second child at home. In the Philippines, where she lives, that's against the law. In 2008 the country passed the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition Strategy policy — referred to as the "no home birth" policy. The pandemic of 2020 has made the policy even more controversial. In the past, women who live in remote areas have had to arrange for transportation to the nearest appropriate health-care facility. Now matters are even more complicated. With pandemic-related restrictions on transportation options like cabs and motorized tricycles, women who do not own a car have fewer choices. NPR, 10/25/2020