Irish Examiner view: Home birth tragedy unlikely to offset growing demand

University Hospital Limerick has commissioned an external review after Lisa Liston died after giving birth to her first child. Picture: Dan Linehan

Home birthing is still a rare experience in Ireland and relatively few parents elect to take advantage of the offer where it is available. The HSE says that it is an acceptable and safe alternative for low-risk healthy women and cites a number of reasons why some people may prefer it.

Home birth may be chosen because the woman wants to feel in control; or feels safer; or wants to avoid intervention; or dislikes hospitals or doesn’t want to be separated from older children. All very cogent and understandable reasons.