Closure of private midwife service may lead to rise in free births, group warns

The Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS) Ireland warned that the closure could lead women trying for free births without medical assistance. File picture

A private midwifery service for Ireland which offered homebirth supports has suddenly closed for financial reasons, saying fewer families than ever can afford their help.

The closure of Private Midwives Ireland means homebirths with midwives are now only available through HSE services, which are not in every county yet. The Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS) Ireland warned it could lead women trying for free births without medical assistance.