Birth Freedome Israel

The Birth Freedom Israel Movement is a not-for-profit organization that was is established in 2001 with the goal of changing the field of childbirth in Israel. It is the only Israeli NPO that is dedicated to the cause of human rights in childbirth. And all that we do is based on the beliefs that childbirth is an intimately personal and life-defining experience in every woman's life, that it is a physiological life event, and that it calls for a woman-centered, supportive, attentive and respectful care. Here is a brief description of what we do: On October 8, 2023, we established a 24/7 hotline to support pregnant and postpartum women affected by the current war. The hotline is still active and will remain so for the duration of this difficult situation. Our helpline “Kav La’yoledet” provides support to mothers who were harmed, physically or emotionally, during and around birth. We provide extensive training for volunteers and professionals that support our callers. We filed and won an almost unprecedented appeal in the supreme court, demanding the reopening of independent birth centers (closed by the ministry of health in 2017). We are the force behind a new bill that was submitted to the Knesset, calling to amend the National Insurance Law in order to end the economic discrimination against women who choose (legally) to give birth in the community (home and birth center births). We are putting the finishing touches on another bill that calls for the upholding of human rights of birthing women and for the prevention of harm during childbirth. We established a one of a kind course for hospital-based midwives and obstetricians. It is a 10-session seminar, providing them with complimentary knowledge. In 2023 we held a conference on women's rights during pregnancy and birth for members of the media and the general public. We continuously raise awareness in the press, on television and on social media. Based on close to 700 testimonies, we published a comprehensive report that shines a light on the experience of women giving birth in Israel and strengthens the rationale for our work. This report was officially entered into the Tel Aviv University students library, and used in a few studies and academic essays. We are currently working on creating a childbirth preparation course for Bedouin women in the Negev, as well as offer regular zoom meetings with an Arab speaking midwife and other professionals. Our “list of rights” is available on our website in the 6 main languages spoken in Israel. And there is more... available on our website. Thank you!