Yes, home births are legal in Denmark, but strictly regulated under the Bekendtgørelse om fødselshjælp (Executive Order on Birth Assistance) and monitored by the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen). Midwives must be state-certified, and unassisted births are prohibited. A 2026 amendment tightens liability requirements for home birth providers.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Denmark
- Certified Midwife Mandate: Only licensed midwives registered with the Danish Patient Safety Authority (Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed) may attend home births. Physicians may assist only in emergencies.
- Risk Assessment Protocol: Mandatory antenatal screening excludes high-risk pregnancies (e.g., breech presentation, preeclampsia) from home birth eligibility. Midwives must document risk assessments in the Sundhedsplatform system.
- Transport & Emergency Preparedness: Home birth plans require a pre-approved hospital transfer agreement within 30 minutes’ reach. Midwives must carry neonatal resuscitation equipment and report adverse events to the Patientombuddet within 24 hours.
Violations of these provisions may result in midwife license suspension or criminal liability under the Sundhedsloven (Health Act). Municipal health boards (Sundhedsforvaltninger) conduct annual audits of home birth services.