Women should have their babies in hospital rather than risk "unsafe" home births, according to Minister of Health Walter Roban.

Mr. Roban warned those who elect to have their deliveries at home with the assistance of midwives and doulas: "Local health professionals continue to express concern that this is unsafe."

During his speech in the House of Assembly on Friday, he pointed out that the World Health Organisation estimates approximately 15 percent of pregnancies and childbirths require obstetrical interventions.

"We just do not have the infrastructure to ensure that we can effectively respond to a homebirth emergency and provide the necessary intervention to ensure a healthy newborn," he said.

"Couples need to be responsible for the birth of their children in every way.

"While there are those who advocate that homebirth is a safe and natural process, the facts indicate that when a birth goes wrong, emergency assistance must be available immediately if there is to be a successful outcome for mother and child."

Mr. Roban said Bermuda's obstetricians, in keeping with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, do not support home births.

However, he acknowledged: "Some women have expressed concern about the options for delivery available to them.

"They have specifically expressed concern over the suitability of the facilities at the hospital, and over the medicalisation of the birthing process and the number of medical interventions during labour and delivery."

Mr. Roban said "every effort" has been made while planning the redevelopment of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to ensure that appropriate labour and delivery facilities are developed to address those concerns.

During parliamentary questions, former Health Minister Patrice Minors asked whether water births could be introduced at the hospital. The Minister replied that if it was a safe option it would be considered.