Disclaimer:

Renée uses 12 criteria with ratings of 0-3 to assess groups and provide an overall ranking out of 10 that reflects levels of coercive control. These assessments are based upon media reports, personal testimonies, and other research. The findings reflect her personal opinions which may differ to others. She is mindful that groups can change over time, for the better or worst, and that the experiences of individuals may vary within any group. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.

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Wellness

Free Birth Society

Also known as FBS, free birth, birthkeepers, wild birth, sovereign birth, or birth liberation movement

Founded by Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark

2017 -

Established in North Carolina, USA. As an online movement it is influential in many countries including UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, South Africa, Asia and others

Estimated followers: Unknown

Summary of Beliefs

The Free Birth Society (FBS) is a controversial movement and online community founded by Emilee Saldaya in the United States around the mid-2010s that advocates for freebirth — childbirth without medical professionals, prenatal checks or clinical interventions. Branding itself as a birth liberation movement, FBS positions unassisted birth as a spiritually empowering and “natural” rite of passage rooted in intuition and embodied womanhood. The organisation operates through podcasts, social media, online courses and private membership communities rather than bricks-and-mortar centres, and its messaging has reached audiences around the world, including in Australia, the UK, Canada, South Africa and Europe.

Supporters view FBS as a way to reclaim autonomy from what they perceive as a harmful medical system. However, mainstream health professionals and investigative journalism have raised alarm about the group’s rhetoric and influence, describing it as medically dangerous. FBS has been linked to numerous cases of serious maternal injuries, stillbirths and neonatal deaths by discouraging prenatal care and professional oversight. Critics characterise aspects of the movement’s community dynamics as cult-like, with high leader influence, minimisation of risk, and emotional reinforcement of radical responsibility narratives.

Despite significant criticism, the founders and community continue to promote their philosophy online, framing backlash as resistance from an entrenched medical establishment.