Free Online Course Empowers Women to Reclaim Childbirth Autonomy

A free online course is now available to help women reclaim autonomy in childbirth. 'Giving Birth with Dignity: Experience and Support' is offered by the Hamburg Open Online University and led by cultural studies scholar and midwife Angelica Ensel. The course highlights the possibility of self-determined births, drawing on historical examples from the Paracelsus Clinic. Angelica Ensel, a trained midwife with a doctorate in cultural studies, previously worked at the Paracelsus Clinic. She now teaches the course on the HOOU platform. Her work builds on the clinic’s birthing unit from the 1970s and 1980s, a time when feminist movements helped women feel more confident during labour.

At that time, women often trusted their instincts and bodies more than today. Now, many rely heavily on technology and medical experts, sometimes losing that intuitive connection. Self-determined birth means the woman remains central, with her consent required for every decision.

Yet, not all women in Germany experience this level of autonomy. Staff shortages and structural issues in birth care often prevent self-determined deliveries. Marginalised groups, including Black, queer, migrant, and disabled parents, face a higher risk of mistreatment during childbirth. The course aims to prove that self-determined births are achievable. It calls on politicians to recognise women’s right to dignity and autonomy in childbirth. Investing in maternity care, the course argues, would improve health outcomes for families.