Recommendation on “Planned Out-of-Hospital Childbirth”: the Position of the Austrian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG)

Abstract The debate regarding the role of out-of-hospital childbirth (home births) remains controversial in many countries, including Austria; consequently, the Executive Board of the OEGGG, acting on behalf of our professional society, has decided to issue an updated recommendation concerning planned out-of-hospital births.This recommendation aims to articulate our position within the context of the forensic and clinical requirements of modern obstetric care and to support a revision of legislation governing out-of-hospital childbirth. It was unanimously approved by the entire OEGGG Executive Board following constructive discussion. We consider out-of-hospital childbirth (home birth) to be untenable, as it contravenes established obstetric quality standards—thereby violating the forensic rights of mothers and, even more significantly, the clear safety interests of the child (as a legal entity) during the birth process. Virtually all established clinical diagnostic and treatment methods cannot be employed in a home birth setting and are thus deliberately withheld from the child.Citing proven risks, the OEGGG opposes home birth and—like other professional societies—classifies it as unsafe. Given the elevated risks involved, our primary duty of care is directed toward the child during the birth process.