Recommendation on "Planned Out-of-Hospital Childbirth": the Position of the Austrian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG).

The debate regarding the role of out-of-hospital childbirth (home births) remains controversial in many countries, including Austria; consequently, the Executive Board of the OEGGG, acting on behalf of our professional society, has decided to issue an updated recommendation concerning planned out-of-hospital births. This recommendation aims to articulate our position within the context of the forensic and clinical requirements of modern obstetric care and to support a revision of legislation governing out-of-hospital childbirth. It was unanimously approved by the entire OEGGG Executive Board following constructive discussion. We consider out-of-hospital childbirth (home birth) to be untenable, as it contravenes established obstetric quality standards-thereby violating the forensic rights of mothers and, even more significantly, the clear safety interests of the child (as a legal entity) during the birth process. Virtually all established clinical diagnostic and treatment methods cannot be employed in a home birth setting and are thus deliberately withheld from the child. Citing proven risks, the OEGGG opposes home birth and-like other professional societies-classifies it as unsafe. Given the elevated risks involved, our primary duty of care is directed toward the child during the birth process.