A Brazilian obstetrician was sentenced to 14 years after attending a home birth, and the decision generated controversy.

The Obstetrician Ricardo Herbert Jones, a pioneer of humanized childbirth in Brazil, was sentenced to 14 years in prison by a jury, alongside his wife, nurse Neusa Jones, who received an 11-year sentence. The prosecution alleges that the doctor took the risk of a baby's death by performing a home birth without a pediatrician and delaying the transfer to the hospital. However, the defense argues that the baby was born healthy and presented complications hours later, being taken to the hospital, where he died of congenital pneumonia and sepsis.
The conviction has caused great concern among healthcare professionals, who fear that doctors will be criminalized for unavoidable outcomes. Experts point out that there is no evidence of negligence, and that the jury's decision disregarded expert reports and errors in hospital care. In addition, the defense was hampered, as the Public Prosecutor's Office prevented experts from being heard who could have clarified the couple's lack of responsibility.

Ricardo's arrest was based on a recent court rule that determines immediate execution of the sentence in jury cases, even if there is a possibility of appeal. The couple's lawyers are seeking to annul the trial, alleging irregularities and bias against humanized childbirth.

After spending 21 days in jail, Ricardo was released on April 17th to await his appeal from home. However, on June 25th, the court ordered him to return to prison, where he will remain until his case is re-evaluated.

The medical community and activists for respectful childbirth have mobilized in support of the couple, emphasizing that the criminalization of professionals who work based on good practices represents a setback and could compromise women's right to choose the place and conditions of birth.

If you believe in justice and the right to respectful childbirth, help defend Ricardo and Neusa. This fundraiser was opened by Rehuna, a non profit organisation dedicated to protecting childbirth for better outcomes, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the cause.

For contributions via P1X or Paypal, use the same key: lucasfalacomigo@gmail.com