The Birth Keepers: FBS goes global – episode five

In episode five of the investigative series 'The Birth Keepers,' the discussion centers around the expanding influence of the Free Birth Society (FBS) and its leaders, Emily and Yolanda. After a shocking video led reporters Shirin Kala and Lucy Osborne to intensify their investigation, they explored the severe implications of the FBS ideology on women during childbirth. The episode delineates a network of influence that spans worldwide, revealing cases where pregnant women, misled by FBS teachings, face dire health risks and complications during labor.

The episode details several harrowing stories, including that of Hayley Bordeaux, who suffered severe strokes during labor, receiving dubious advice from Emily even after the death of another woman's baby due to complications linked to FBS ideologies. Further, it highlights Gabby Lopez’s tragic experience, where her baby nearly suffocated due to shoulder dystocia, a situation exacerbated by the lack of qualified medical assistance and the FBS mindset that downplayed the seriousness of her labor.

The reporters also shine a light on the alarming emergence of unregistered 'birth keepers', who misrepresent their qualifications and fail to provide safe prenatal care. One such case involves Ernie Chirwa in South Africa, who lost her twins after an extended labor period, revealing a pattern of negligence among those trained by FBS. The episode concludes with a reflection on the accumulated evidence of tragedy linked to FBS practices, highlighting the urgent need for scrutiny and accountability in such radical birthing movements.