No homebirths for women more than 30 minutes from hospitals - HSE

Community Midwives Association chairwoman Ali Murphy says the HSE 'is going to have blood on their hands' if the homebirth service is limited to those living within a half hour of a maternity unit. Picture: PA/thinkstockphotos

A HSE recommendation to limit homebirths to women who live within 30 minutes of a maternity hospital has been criticised for denying one-fifth of pregnant women the option of a home birth. 

Community midwives say the change would have the greatest impact on those living in rural areas.