Yes, home births are legal in Germany but strictly regulated under the Mutterschaftsrichtlinien (Maternity Directive) and §24d SGB V. Midwives must be licensed, and emergency transfer protocols to hospitals are mandatory. Since 2024, regional health authorities (e.g., Landesgesundheitsämter) enforce stricter documentation requirements, aligning with 2026 EU maternal safety guidelines.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Germany
- Midwife Mandate: A certified midwife must attend the birth; unassisted home births are prohibited under §24d SGB V. Only midwives registered with Hebammenlandesverbände (state midwifery associations) are eligible.
- Emergency Transfer Plans: Mandatory written agreements with nearby hospitals (Krankenhäuser der Grund- und Regelversorgung) for immediate transfer in case of complications, per Mutterschaftsrichtlinien (2023 update).
- Risk Assessment: Midwives must conduct prenatal risk evaluations using Hebammenscores (midwifery risk scores) to determine eligibility. High-risk pregnancies (e.g., breech, preeclampsia) are excluded under §15 Mutterschaftsrichtlinien.
Violations may trigger disciplinary action by Landesärztekammern (state medical boards) or loss of midwifery license. Insurers (e.g., AOK, TK) cover home births only if midwife-attended and compliant with §24d SGB V.