Childbirth in Chile: Winds of Change

In Chile, almost 100% of births take place in health institutions, with no legal out-of-hospital alternatives for childbirth, and obstetric interventions are extremely high, including a 50% cesarean rate. Despite government efforts and policies to promote physiologic and respectful birth since 2007, the technocratic model of childbirth remains hegemonic. However, strong childbirth activists, together with groups of health professionals who seek change, are advocating for a law on respectful childbirth, directing innovative initiatives within maternities, and positioning home birth as a valid option that needs to be legalized and reimbursed by health insurance. The chapter describes and reflects on these recent changes in the landscape of childbirth in Chile, arguing they might bring winds of change and reverse the excessive medicalization of birth. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, activist and health professionals were alerted to how recent improvements in maternity care were being threatened and were pushing to accelerate a deep discussion on birth territories and alternatives to hospital. We are confident that after the passing of the pandemic, the humanistic winds of change in Chile will continue to blow with renewed momentum.