The Free Birth Society marketed a simple yet powerful message to pregnant women: exit the medical system and reclaim your power through free birthing. However, Nicole Garrison claims that the ideology promoted by the Free Birth Society nearly cost her her life.
Episode One of a Year-Long Investigation
This story is featured in episode one of The Birth Keepers, a year-long investigation by Guardian journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne. The podcast, originally published on 10 December 2025, delves into the dangers of unassisted childbirth and the influence of the Free Birth Society.
Nicole Garrison's Experience
Garrison, a former follower of the Free Birth Society, recounts how the group's rhetoric encouraged her to avoid medical intervention during pregnancy and childbirth. She believes that adhering to this ideology led to a life-threatening situation. According to Garrison, the society's teachings downplayed risks and discouraged seeking professional medical care.
Impact and Criticism
The Guardian investigation highlights the potential harms of the free birth movement, which advocates for childbirth without medical assistance. Critics argue that such practices can endanger both mother and child, especially in cases of complications. The podcast aims to explore the broader implications of this movement and its impact on women's health.
