Home births in America have increased from 0.98% in 2016 to 1.54% in 2023, according to CDC data. The trend reflects growing distrust of traditional medical systems and demand for personalized maternity care. About 1% of U.S. births occurred at home in 2019, climbing to over 1.5% by 2023. The U.S. has the highest maternal death rate among high-income nations, with Black mothers facing mortality rates more than three times higher than non-Hispanic white women. “In general, patients have distrust of the established medical system — especially Black patients,” says Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a Black OB-GYN representing the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “In the 17 years I’ve been in practice, there’s definitely been a shift.” Michelle Palmer from the American College of Nurse-Midwives notes home births create “a different power dynamic” where patients control their experience. (Story URL)