Midwives Protest Athens Hospital Birth Restrictions

Hundreds of midwives and women demonstrated in Athens on Thursday, protesting new hospital regulations that mandate doctor supervision for all childbirths. This policy shift, announced by the health ministry, has been met with fierce opposition from those who believe it undermines the role of midwives and increases the medicalization of birth.

Protesters handed over 2,000 letters to the Health Minister, arguing the restrictions will exacerbate Greece's already high C-section rate of 65%, significantly above the World Health Organization's recommended 15%. They also expressed concern that these measures would inflate costs for the public health insurance system.

Further concerns were raised about the safety of women in remote or mountainous regions, where access to immediate medical support may be limited. The ban on midwife-led births in health centers could pose risks for those far from hospitals, as helicopter transport or solitary births are not viable solutions.

Advocates for natural childbirth emphasize that the policy could lead to more unnecessary interventions, impacting maternal choice and potentially increasing the rate of medically induced births and premature deliveries. The movement calls for greater recognition of midwives' expertise and the right to non-violent, woman-centered birth experiences.