Yes, home births are legally permitted in Israel under strict conditions. The Ministry of Health regulates them via licensing, midwife oversight, and emergency transfer protocols, with recent 2026 amendments tightening neonatal care standards.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Israel
- Licensed Midwife Requirement: Only midwives certified by the Ministry of Health’s Midwifery Division may attend home births, per the Public Health Ordinance (Midwives) 1990. Unlicensed attendants face penalties under Section 361 of the Penal Law.
- Emergency Transfer Mandate: Births must occur within 20 minutes of a hospital with NICU capacity, as per Circular 2026/11 on obstetric emergency preparedness. Failure to comply voids liability protections for midwives.
- Mandatory Pre- and Post-Birth Protocols: Prenatal risk assessments (e.g., breech, multiples) and immediate neonatal resuscitation equipment are required. Non-compliance triggers mandatory reporting to the National Council for Obstetrics and Gynecology.