What is a 'birth keeper' and how are they linked to the Free Birth Society?

A 'birth keeper' is a term coined by the Free Birth Society (FBS) to describe individuals trained through their online courses, functioning as unlicensed midwives who promote giving birth without medical assistance.

What happened to Ernesta Chirwa and her twins?

Ernesta Chirwa lost her twins during childbirth due to complications and alleged substandard care from a 'birth keeper' associated with the Free Birth Society in Cape Town.

Is practicing as a 'birth keeper' legal in South Africa?

Practicing midwifery without a license is illegal in South Africa. The term 'birth keeper' is reportedly used by organizations like FBS to navigate these legal restrictions.

Home / Health / Cape Town Woman Loses Twins in Botched Free Birth

Cape Town Woman Loses Twins in Botched Free Birth

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A woman lost twins after a 'birth keeper' allegedly provided substandard care.
The birth keeper was a graduate of an online school promoting extreme beliefs.
Legal action and police investigation are underway regarding the tragic outcome.

Cape Town Woman Loses Twins in Botched Free Birth

A tragic case in Cape Town has brought the dangers of unregulated birth practices to light, resulting in the loss of twins. Ernesta Chirwa, a first-time mother, experienced a catastrophic outcome after engaging the services of a "birth keeper" linked to an online organization promoting extreme freebirth ideologies.

Chirwa's situation escalated rapidly when her baby presented breech and with a prolapsed cord, complicated by the fact she was carrying twins, a detail unknown to her. The "birth keeper" allegedly provided inadequate prenatal care and, during the emergency, drove Chirwa to a non-specialized hospital before leaving. This led to significant delays and dire consequences.

The "birth keeper" in question is a graduate of an online school that trains individuals as "radical birth keepers," a term used to circumvent laws against practicing midwifery without a license. Investigations into this organization have previously identified numerous cases of stillbirths and severe harm linked to its teachings.