Yes, home births are legally permissible in Peru under specific conditions. The Código de los Niños y Adolescentes (Article 10) and Reglamento de la Ley N° 26842 (Decreto Supremo 014-2019-SA) permit home births if attended by a licensed midwife or physician in a Plan de Parto approved by a healthcare facility. Regional health directorates (DIRESAs) enforce compliance, with mandatory reporting to the Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica Perinatal.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Peru
- Licensed Provider Requirement: Only midwives certified by the Colegio de Obstetras del Perú or physicians registered with the Colegio Médico del Perú may attend home births. Unlicensed attendants face penalties under Ley N° 27669 (Ley del Trabajo de la Obstetra).
- Pre-Approval Mandate: A Plan de Parto must be submitted to and approved by a public or private healthcare facility (e.g., MINSA or EsSalud) prior to labor, per RM N° 554-2019-MINSA. Facilities may deny approval if high-risk factors (e.g., breech presentation) are present.
- Emergency Transfer Protocol: Home birth providers must have a documented agreement with a referral hospital for immediate transfer in complications. Failure to comply triggers investigations by the Superintendencia Nacional de Salud (SUSALUD) for negligence.