Naomi James, 38 years old, from Ireland, died in late June after giving birth to her son unassisted, without the support of a doctor or midwife.
James was a follower of the "freebirth" method. She regularly listened to podcasts by Emilee Saldaya, the founder of the Free Birth Society (FBS) in the United States.
In these programs, Saldaya repeatedly claimed, "I have never seen a mother die from blood loss during a home birth." This assertion directly contradicted reality. James passed away on 23/6, at a time when Saldaya was hosting a festival for members of the society in North Carolina, United States.
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Reign Lawrence lost one child after a freebirth in 2022. Photo: Provided by subject |
According to an investigation published in 12/2025 by The Guardian, James was not the sole victim. At least 48 cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or severe injuries were recorded as linked to mothers participating in or influenced by FBS. The victims span from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to Australia.
"My sister was radicalized by online influencers," said Adam Boyle, James's brother. He stated that James had great faith in her own research capabilities and online advice.
Like many women drawn to this trend, James had negative experiences with hospitals. After two C-sections, she wanted a vaginal birth but doctors refused. This frustration led her to Kemi Johnson, a former midwife with 42,000 followers who frequently criticized modern medicine. James gradually became convinced that home birth was the only way for her to "take control of her body."
Reign Lawrence, 39 years old, from the United Kingdom, is also a victim. In 2022, captivated by the confidence of FBS members, Lawrence decided to have twins in a hotel in Jamaica without a nurse. As a result, one of the two boys died immediately after birth.
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"Freebirth" is a method health experts warn is particularly dangerous for the health of mothers and children. Illustration: SBS News |
In the United Kingdom and many other countries, practicing midwifery without registration is illegal. To circumvent these laws, Saldaya and FBS created the term "radical birth keeper." They offer online courses costing thousands of USD, teaching students how to provide illicit birth support under the guise of "companions" and only accepting money as "gifts" to avoid legal trouble.
Doctor Joanne Nicholl, a health expert in the United Kingdom, warned that a lack of professional supervision carries fatal risks. "There are dangerous conditions in newborns, such as hypothyroidism or congenital heart disease, that parents cannot self-diagnose; only medical staff can detect them," she said.
Currently, the UK charity Aims has removed its links to FBS after recognizing the danger. Meanwhile, Emilee Saldaya continues to deny responsibility, calling the accusations against her "false."
Nhat Minh (According to The Guardian)
