Home birth in Malaysia: a view on ethical and legal perspective / Mimi Zalwani Zakaria

Home birth had become as a choice in few country and numbers of cases in Malaysia is increasing. It has become public health issue as involved mortality and morbidity of both mother and baby. Doulas had been involved in home birth without any medical professional. Although childbirth is women’s right but ensuring safety childbirth is responsible of all parties involved in home birth. Determinants that important in ensuring childbirth safety are personnel involved, preparedness for complications and continuous risk assessment. Difficulty in childbirth process is due to the anatomy of women’s pelvic. It became more complex when the baby’s head is larger. However, the most important element when considering home birth is safety of the mother and baby. Complete preparation is important factor together with the personnel involved. Selection of patient and medical trained professional are important to make a home birth as safety as in the hospital. Fast access to hospital when complication occur play an important role in preventing mortality or morbidity to the mother and baby. Specific law is not available in Malaysia; however, legal action should be considered by looking at the Midwifery Act as it well defined to role of midwife in helping birthing mother.