Rise in home births may increase hospital transfer delays as midwives face challenges coordinating with hospital staff, impacting patient safety.

With each contraction, Maria Ibarra’s plan to deliver her daughter in her Ohio living room seemed less likely.

Madera lacks a maternity ward and Planned Parenthood, forcing travel to Fresno. Home births rose after 2023 reopening; midwives handle low-risk cases. Cost and lack of insurers drive unassisted births ...