The Birth Keepers: I choose this – episode one

"The Birth Keepers," a six-part investigative series by The Guardian, explores how two influencers, Emily Saldea and Yolanda Norris-Clark, through their Free Birth Society (FBS), allegedly radicalized pregnant women with a message of exiting the medical system and embracing unassisted childbirth. The first episode introduces Nicole and Olivia, who were drawn into the FBS membership. Nicole, influenced by Emily's teachings, chose a free birth, faced life-threatening complications, and had a change of heart after receiving hospital care. Olivia, initially drawn to Yolanda's critique of the medical system, began to question the group's ideology and the safety of its practices, particularly the discouragement of medical intervention and the promotion of "radical responsibility." The episode highlights the potential dangers of the group's teachings and sets the stage for further investigation into the influencers' practices and impact.