Yes, home births are legal in Puerto Rico under the Ley Núm. 246-2015, which regulates midwifery and birth settings. The law permits licensed midwives to attend home births, provided strict compliance with health department protocols and emergency transfer agreements. Recent 2026 amendments to Reglamento 8185 further clarify midwife certification requirements and mandatory neonatal screening mandates.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Puerto Rico
- Licensed Midwife Requirement: Only midwives certified by the Secretaría Auxiliar de Salud Materno Infantil may legally attend home births. Unlicensed attendants face penalties under Ley Núm. 246-2015.
- Emergency Transfer Protocols: Midwives must maintain written agreements with nearby hospitals (e.g., Centro Médico de Río Piedras) for immediate maternal-fetal transfer in high-risk cases or complications.
- Mandatory Newborn Screening: Infants born at home must undergo heel-prick testing for metabolic disorders within 48 hours, per Reglamento 8185 (2026 update). Non-compliance risks midwife disciplinary action.