Swedish Midwife Agneta Bergenheim Banned from Assisting Home Births by Ivo Amid Safety Dispute

Veteran midwife Agneta Bergenheim, with 37 years of experience and around 500 home births, has been immediately banned from assisting home births by the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Ivo). This prohibition was announced following concerns raised over a twin home birth that triggered an investigation into her practices. Ivo accused Bergenheim of violating safety guidelines, including poor fetal sound monitoring, inadequate documentation, and administering medication without proper medical oversight. They highlighted risks such as assisting high-risk births before week 37 and disputed claims of breech deliveries at home, which Bergenheim denies.

Bergenheim has described the ban as "absurd" and claims it is founded on fear rather than any incidents of harm. She plans to appeal the decision and firmly intends to continue assisting home births, stating, "This is a calling, and I take full responsibility for my work." Her colleagues and supporters have criticized Ivo's ruling as unjust and limiting women's birth options. Midwife Asabea Britton called the decision a scandal, urging respect for home birth choices.

Ivo's head, Peder Carlsson, emphasized that home births themselves are not banned—only that midwives must adhere to safety regulations. The agency took an urgent stance, issuing the prohibition without warning, citing patient health risks that could not be delayed. Bergenheim's case highlights the ongoing debate in Sweden over the regulation of home births and balancing patient safety with women's rights to choose their birth setting.