Midwives in Greece are protesting new regulations that would require a physician’s supervision during childbirth, even in cases considered low-risk. The restrictions, announced by the Health Ministry, have sparked concerns about the medicalization of childbirth and potential impacts on maternal care, particularly in remote areas.
Hundreds of midwives demonstrated in Athens on , voicing opposition to the policy. Protesters chanted The attack on midwives is an attack against all women
and delivered over 2,000 letters to Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis from women who have experienced positive birth outcomes with the support of midwives. While Minister Georgiadis initially defended the decision, he has since indicated a willingness to re-evaluate the policy.
The core of the dispute lies in a draft framework from the Health Ministry that would effectively bar midwives from independently conducting “normal” births in primary care settings. The revised draft excludes childbirth duties for midwives, a move that organizations representing midwives argue contradicts existing regulations that designate them as providers. Ioanna Vassilakis, head of the Greek Association of Independent Midwives, stated that the decision will only reinforce the medicalisation of childbirth.
A significant concern raised by midwives is the potential for an increase in Cesarean section rates in Greece, which are already the highest in Europe, at 65 percent. The World Health Organization estimates that Cesarean section rates exceeding 15 percent are generally not medically necessary. Charoula Idari, a student midwife participating in the protests, suggested that the higher rates are, in part, due to financial incentives for private hospitals to perform the procedure.
The proposed regulations also raise concerns about access to care, particularly for women living in rural or isolated areas, including islands and mountainous regions. Midwives argue that restricting their ability to oversee births in health centers could leave women with limited options, potentially facing dangerous transport situations or being left without qualified assistance. As Gianna Vasilaki, head of the Union of Independent Midwives of Greece, explained, Transporting them by helicopter or leaving them alone cannot be the solution.
The debate extends beyond logistical concerns to encompass fundamental beliefs about women’s autonomy and the nature of childbirth. Experts emphasize that decisions about how and where they deliver their baby are extremely important to pregnant women
and that ethical norms dictate respecting women’s choices and personalizing birth plans. However, challenges remain in consistently upholding these principles in practice.
The protests highlight the experiences of women who have benefited from midwife-led care. Nadia Konstantinou, who received care from Vassilakis during three pregnancies, called for widespread mobilization, stating, It’s about our bodies, our choices.
Maria Irini Kouroukakou shared her experience of a difficult delivery in a private hospital where a doctor used instruments against her expressed wishes, leading her to seek out a midwife for subsequent births. She stated, Without a midwife, there’s no possibility of a non-violent birth.
Further complicating the issue is a perceived glaring lack of information about natural childbirth
in Greece, according to Kouroukakou. This lack of awareness may contribute to a preference for more interventionist approaches to childbirth.
Data also suggest a higher rate of premature births following medically induced labor in Greece – 11.6 percent – compared to the European Union average of 6.2 percent. This statistic, cited by Vassilakis, adds another layer to the concerns surrounding the increasing medicalization of childbirth in the country.
Victoria Vivilaki, president of the European Midwives Association, expressed concern that the provision raises concerns for perinatal needs, especially in remote areas or emergencies. She cited examples from Crete where births occurred en route to the hospital, highlighting the unpredictable nature of labor, and delivery. Normal birth is an automatic biological process that cannot be scheduled and may start anywhere, anytime,
she stated.
While Greece is a popular destination for tourists and known for its rich history, the current situation underscores the complexities surrounding maternity care and the ongoing debate about the role of midwives in providing safe and respectful childbirth experiences. The government has also recently outlined measures to boost the country’s birthrate, including cash benefits and tax breaks for new parents, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
