During a hearing in the Parliamentary Health Committee, Ana Paula Martins disclosed that approximately 150 births occurred outside hospital settings this year, such as in ambulances, on the streets, or at home. Although no objective data was provided, Martins noted that reports from emergency services indicate a rise in home births.
“Home births are never safe. It is an option, (…) but it’s important to mention that some (…), fortunately, have not resulted in fatalities because emergency services arrive in time, deploy an SIV [ambulance], and conduct the birth in the ambulance. Otherwise, we would have had fatal outcomes,” she stated.
The minister is being questioned this morning by the Health Committee on various issues, including obstetric emergencies.
Illustrating the increase in home births, the minister noted that in 2022 there were 25 births in ambulances, 18 in public places, and 126 at home. In 2023, there were 18 births in ambulances, 15 in public spaces, and 140 at home, increasing to 28, 17, and 144, respectively, in the following year.
This year, 32 births in ambulances, 18 in public places, one in primary health care facilities, and 103 at home were recorded.
The minister also indicated a rise in the number of pregnant women seeking the national health service without having received prenatal care.
During the session, she emphasized the need for an adequate ratio of obstetricians and nurse specialists in Maternal and Obstetric Health Nursing (ESMO) to reflect current realities, stating: “Out of every 100 births, 80 are conducted by ESMO.”
She also highlighted the necessity of reviewing medical internship slots with the Medical Association: “I cannot have a service prepared for five interns and admit 15, but neither can I have a service ready for 15 interns and only host five.”
Regarding the seven unfilled specialist vacancies at Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada, the minister explained that three specialists chose other institutions with better salary conditions, and two are still considering their options.
