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Miriam Perez of the NLIRH (National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health) wrote a very interesting article in the blogosphere entitled, “The Cost of Being Born”. She raises many valid and attention worthy points addressing homebirth and holistic healthcare in low-income communities. As well, she refers to demographics other than the higher brackets primarily portrayed in the media and documentaries who have homebirths. Some specific points mentioned include the lack of education, exposure and assistance available for low-income demographics. One of the biggest points made in this article is that Medicaid (which large populations of women are dependent on) makes it hard to cover a homebirth.

After further research, I have uncovered that the insurance provider, Medicaid, only provides upto $1,000 in coverage for homebirths. This is ashame that that is their max. I have learned though that a GHI Medicaid plan does cover uptowards $6,000. Interestly enough, New York State regulations do require that private insurance companies are to cover out-of-hospital birth with a licensed practitioner. Now if only the midwifery model was paid more respect in the U.S. as it is around the globe.

I think it is great to raise this dialogue so that we can derive a solution. The benefits of homebirths, midwives, doulas and holistic care are beyond exceptional, substantial and sustainable. Hopefully this will make it to capital hill as healthcare is being reformed. At the end of the day, homebirths are more economical than the hospital fees that are paid my Medicaid. This especially is the case if babies are born via C-section or administered drugs through out labor. The natural holistic model of midwifery and homebirth, truths and re-education of the female body and pregnancy should be accessible to all. Women from all demographics and cultural background deserve the access and resources to reconnect with their bodies purpose, their rights, the facts, the inspirations and so forth. At the end of the day, we are all in the same in the fact that our bodies share a universal function. I hope that this universal bridge to communication and awareness is built for all women very soon.