Home birth in Jerusalem ends in tragedy: baby in serious condition

A newborn delivered at home in Jerusalem on the evening of October 14 was rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in critical condition, without breathing or a pulse. Medics stabilized the infant, but the condition remains severe, and the baby is on a ventilator. The circumstances are under investigation. The Health Ministry reminds the public of the special regulations for home births.

On the evening of October 14, a home birth in Jerusalem resulted in the emergency hospitalization of a newborn. The infant was brought to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in critical condition, without breathing or a pulse. Doctors managed to stabilize the baby, but the condition remains serious, and the infant is connected to a ventilator. The circumstances of the incident are still unknown. It is reported that the parents are Jerusalem residents, and complications arose during the birth, causing the baby to stop breathing before the ambulance arrived. The article notes that this is not the first such case. In November 2025, a woman giving birth at home in Samaria was airlifted by military helicopter to Sheba Medical Center due to severe blood loss; the baby was barely saved. Previously, a woman who lost consciousness during a home birth was taken to Hadassah Har HaTzofim Medical Center; the infant died, and the mother suffered irreversible consequences. The Ministry of Health does not ban home births but sets strict regulations: mandatory attendance by a midwife from a special ministry registry with at least three years of experience in a recognized delivery room, or a neonatologist or gynecologist with similar experience. Home births are prohibited in cases of multiple pregnancies, chronic maternal illnesses, oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, or lack of necessary tests. A prerequisite is the ability to reach a hospital within 30 minutes.