Yes, Home births are legal in France under strict conditions. Midwives must be state-registered, the pregnancy must be low-risk, and prior medical authorization is required. Since 2023, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) enforces updated protocols to mitigate risks, with mandatory post-birth pediatric follow-ups.
Key Regulations for Home Births in France
- Medical Supervision Mandate: Only certified midwives (sages-femmes) may attend home births, with immediate transfer protocols to nearest maternité (obstetric unit) if complications arise. The Ordre des Sages-Femmes audits compliance biannually.
- Risk Assessment Protocol: A mandatory projet de naissance (birth plan) must be filed with a médecin référent (referring physician) by the 36th week, certifying low-risk status. High-risk pregnancies (e.g., breech, multiples) are automatically disqualified.
- Post-Birth Reporting: Midwives must submit a certificat de naissance to the mairie (town hall) within 5 days, triggering civil registration. The Protection Maternelle et Infantile (PMI) conducts home visits within 8 days to verify neonatal health.
Non-compliance risks midwife license suspension and civil liability for damages. The 2026 Loi de Santé draft proposes stricter penalties for unregistered practitioners but retains home births as a droit fondamental (fundamental right) for eligible women.