The Philippines Has A Policy Against Home Births. It’s Not Playing Well In A Pandemic

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Marissa Tuping, a rural midwife, and Risa Calibuso, right, arrive in Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital on July 21. Calibuso gave birth to her son moments later.

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Risa Calibuso and her husband, Michael Calibuso, at home in Abinganan.

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Midwife Merissa Tuping, right, assists Risa Calibuso, who is in labor, with her breathing while the reporter drove her to the nearest hospital. Because of the Philippine law against home birth, the midwife would not deliver the child in Calibuso’s residence.

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Dr. Agnes Bernabe and her team deliver a baby by cesarean section at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital on August 18. «As a doctor who knows the risks, I will not advocate for a home birth, says Bernabe.

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Mylene Madawat, 24, holds her newborn son. Her mother, Minda, right, is by her side. Because Madawat does not live near a health-care facility and home births are against the law in the Philippines, she rented an apartment in a community that has a hospital where she could give birth.

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Jessa Tayombong sits with her baby, Josie. Even though home births are illegal in the Philippines, Tayombong delivered the child at home.

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Florida Domingo massages Calibuso’s belly. The early morning massage is part of a traditional healing process after delivery.

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Risa Calibuso breastfeeds her son, Heinrich Claude, in their balcony. He was born on July 27. Calibuso went into labor at home but the local midwife would not participate in a home delivery. Because there were no other options to get Calibuso to the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital for delivery, the reporter gave her a ride.

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Risa Calibuso breastfeeds her son, Heinrich Claude, in their balcony. He was born on July 27. Calibuso went into labor at home but the local midwife would not participate in a home delivery. Because there were no other options to get Calibuso to the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital for delivery, the reporter gave her a ride.

Xyza Cruz Bacani For NPR

Xyza Cruz Bacani is a freelance photographer based in Southeast Asia and the author of the book We Are Like Air. She previously contributed to NPR for a story on babies born during the pandemic, in collaboration with Everyday Projects.