A group of home birth advocates has reacted with dismay to what they call unnecessary Government bureaucracy which is preventing their midwives from entering the Island.

Government, meanwhile, has maintained that “vigorous efforts” are underway to make sure that a “competent” registered midwife is available in the short term.

Time is running short for a group of parents, dubbed the Home Birth Five, who have births planned for June and early July.

A statement issued by the group said they plan to meet with the Department of Health next week — but suspect that the meeting “is not meant to be a dialogue”.

“The issue is simple,” said home birthing parents Maya Rica Davis.

“Midwives have been procured, they need to be placed on the Bermuda Registry of Midwives, and then Immigration documents may be obtained.”

She said that none of the expecting parents wishes to birth unassisted — or to give birth in a hospital setting.

According to the Bermuda Medical Council, there is currently no medical practitioner available to supervise the home births.

The group learned on May 16 that their two overseas midwives would not be placed on Bermuda’s registry — but insist that they were “consummate, fully certified professionals”.

Discussions between the two sides are scheduled to continue next week.