Birth Freedom Israel: 2023 Campaign

Pregnancy and birth are a positive life process, yet… Trauma and depression as a result of childbirth are still a common phenomenon in 2023. We believe that it shouldn’t be so; that birthing aught to be empowering. In 2022, we conducted a survey among women who’d given birth in the past five years. Of its 1,700 participants, one in five women defined her birth experience as terrible or traumatic. Maintaining basic human rights, such as autonomy, freedom of choice, respectful care, and true informed consent - has a decisive effect on the woman's experience. Attitudes towards birthing women both attest to and affect society, as each and every one of us has, or will have, a connection to at least one pregnant woman. Therefore, we should all be concerned with their wellbeing. In Israel, there are over 180,000 births a year, the highest fertility rate in the OECD, but at the bottom of its list of active midwives per 1,000 people - a gap that clearly reflects on this county’s maternal care. So we work tirelessly to change the status quo. In the last year, thanks to the support of partners like you, our ability to do so has grown in 4 directions: Support: We have revived our helpline, “Kav Layoledet”, where trained volunteers support each woman in a personalized way, validating her experiences and assertions, allowing her to take charge of her own healing process, and helping her figure out the necessary actions. Awareness: We created a course for members of the medical and nursing staff of maternity wards, that aims to teach what is not taught in medical or nursing schools (such as advantages of un-hurried physiological birth, Midwifery Model of Care, rights-based care, and mind-body medicine). In addition, we’ve received extensive public recognition in the media and on social networks, held a conference, and participated in various events. Legislation: On our initiative, a new bill was submitted to the Knesset, calling for the correction of economic discrimination against women who choose to give birth out of the hospital. True freedom of choice can only be when women of all financial abilities are free to exercise it. We are also writing another bill: “The Law of Birthing Women Rights and Prevention of Injuries”. Research: We’ve released a report, based on 600 testimonials, with statistics, in-depth explanations, and concrete recommendations. We conducted surveys (in Hebrew and Arabic), asking those who’d given birth to tell us about their experiences in detail. Other accomplishments and future include: A childbirth preparation course for Bedouin women Publishing the list of rights into 6 languages Producing information videos Establishing a coalition of related organizations In order to continue the momentum of this past year, we need you! This NPO is supported solely by the community. Together with you, we give hope to the women of Israel, now and for years to come. We call upon you to be a part of this Tikun Olam!