Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark are co-founders of the Free Birth Society (FBS). At the end of last year, a four-month undercover investigation showed that these concerns were warranted. An investigation by the Guardian has uncovered a deeply alarming link. It connects FBS to 48 instances of late-term stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and other serious injury. Equipping a new generation of birth workers FBS trains “radical birth keepers” and “authentic midwives” through its two online schools, making it an ideological opponent to traditional birthing methods. Opponents counter that this piecemeal approach has dangerous implications for mothers and newborns.
Saldaya and Norris-Clark have both earned a reputation for their contentious views, and hands-on approach to advising women in labor. Saldaya has been charged with giving directions on phone calls and social media, including when the action was in progress. One especially heartbreaking example was Lorren Holliday. Her baby died in 2018 after following guidance from Saldaya, who stated she had no direct role.
The FBS leaders defend their approach vehemently. Norris-Clark has labeled critics as “pathetic losers,” insisting that FBS operates as “the most ethical kind of business you can run.” In increasing numbers, medical professionals are breaking ranks and sounding the alarm about the unacceptable increase of unobserved, unsupported labors. They call attention to the fact that this lack of presence means higher risk for both mother and baby.
Rising Concerns and Disturbing Findings
Our investigation into FBS found disturbing evidence about its business model and recommendations. Experts have warned that the nonprofit’s initiatives have spread harmful misinformation. In their initial comments, FBS went all in on the extreme. In another instance, they claimed that there was “zero” risk of infection while cutting an umbilical cord, a claim that health care workers have universally denounced.
This is because FBS has provided strongly misleading advice on the best way to manage shoulder dystocia. This uncommon but serious childbirth complication can have severe consequences to newborns. Even worse is the organization’s cavalier and passive approach to practicing newborn resuscitation. This negligence may lead all infants to suffer long-term neurological injury or death.
Leading medical professionals like Professor Soo Downe have raised the alarm about the message that these actions by FBS send. She also emphasized the risks of experiencing labor without the care of a trained medical professional.
“Across whole populations, going through labour and birth without professional support is associated with higher levels of risk for mother and baby.” – Prof Soo Downe
These results indicate that the FBS has substantially affected decision-making for mothers and birth attendants. In at least 18 of these cases, this has resulted in completely preventable tragedies.
Global Implications
The consequences of FBS’s activities go well beyond our own borders. Now, in many countries, the organization poses a threat within. This includes the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, South Africa, Thailand, India, Australia, the UK, and Israel. The far-reaching nature of these incidents highlights the global impact of FBS and their teachings.
Saldaya and Norris-Clark have been accused of exploiting women’s fears regarding medical professionals, alleging that they sabotage births or engage in “murder.” Women who are disenchanted with the current state of mainstream medicine undoubtedly resonate with this message. Healthcare providers have decried it, emphasizing the importance of having professional support during childbirth.
In May 2025, with pressures increasing, FBS tried to quell negative sentiment by sharing a disclaimer on their Instagram page. The post claimed that their content was intended solely for “educational and informational” purposes and was not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition related to pregnancy or birth. Yet many consider this disclaimer to be too little, too late due to the organization’s history of the past.
The Response from FBS
As they’ve faced increasing scrutiny and accusations of misconduct, Saldaya and Norris-Clark have doubled down with an increasingly belligerent attitude. Saldaya has framed the backlash as an attack on their very mission to empower women.
“This is what it means to be a disruptor. They will try to discredit you. They will lie about you. They will attempt to silence what they don’t understand.” – Emilee Saldaya
They purport to be on the side of women’s choice about how they give birth. Their continuing investigation digs deeper into troubling ethical implications surrounding what makes their teachings safe and effective. Yet experts have repeatedly sounded the alarm that ignoring medical counsel has caused dire repercussions for mothers and babies alike.