Former midwife faces trial for home births against Swedish ban

Former midwife Agneta Bergenheim is set to stand trial in September, accused of performing home births despite a prohibition from the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO). Bergenheim, 75, maintains her actions are a "mission in life" and intends to fight the authorities, stating she will continue her practice because she believes she has done nothing wrong.

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This is my mission in life.

IVO contends that Bergenheim's activities posed a risk to patients' lives. The inspectorate also cited instances where she administered medication without a doctor's prescription and made medical judgments not aligned with scientific consensus. Despite these allegations, Bergenheim has a strong support base, with over a hundred individuals from Sweden and Denmark expected to attend her trial. Her supporters, including families she has assisted, colleagues, and doulas, have collectively donated around 60,000 Swedish kronor to aid with her legal expenses.

Bergenheim has facilitated approximately 500 home births over 37 years. She emphasizes building a relationship with expectant parents before the delivery, allowing labor to progress naturally. She contrasts this with hospital births, arguing that hospitals often fail to connect the "spirit, body, psyche, and emotions." Bergenheim believes home births allow for a deeper connection, where the birthing person experiences a powerful state of vulnerability and sensitivity, akin to other female mammals.

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I will continue to do so because I have done nothing wrong.

Since late June, Bergenheim has been barred from using the title "midwife." She voluntarily had her license, held since 1986, revoked to avoid further scrutiny from IVO. She now refers to herself as a "jordemor" (midwife/healer), a title not officially recognized by Swedish authorities. Bergenheim asserts her confidence in her professional judgment and extensive experience, stating she will continue her work, even if it leads to further legal proceedings.

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The body and soul are connected. The birthing person is in a very strong state of fantastic opportunity to be able to follow their innermost self and a vulnerability. She is sensitive to external factors, just like all female mammals are.