Homebirths still not an option for pregnant women on Isle of Man

Manx Care says unlikely to resume service for 'foreseeable future'

Homebirths are still not an option for pregnant women on the Isle of Man.

Manx Care says it’s not in a position to offer a ‘safely staffed service’ after suspending them last year.

It led to the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration finding that the Department of Health and Social Care was breaching its statutory obligations and recording a finding of maladministration.

The health body has blamed a ‘global shortage’ of midwives and current cost pressures on the fact no progress has been made in resuming the service.  

It says because of this it’s unlikely that the home birth service will be resumed for the ‘foreseeable future’.

Manx Care told Manx Radio: "Since the reluctant decision by Manx Care in 2023 to suspend the offer of home births the situation has not substantially changed. 

"Manx Care’s efforts to recruit midwifes has met with some success however we are still not in a position to offer a safely staffed service. 

"The global pressure on recruiting midwifes, combined with the current cost pressures Manx Care is facing, means that it is unlikely that a home birth service will be resumed for the foreseeable future.