have died.

When my mom gave birth to me (I'm the first) she began to hemorrhage. If she didn't give birth at the hospital she likely would have bled out. My mom developed a bleeding disorder during her 5th pregnancy (of my sister) which was only discovered at the hospital about to give birth that lead to an emergency C-section to save my mom and my sister. It required a month long hospitalization and 500 plasma transfusions over the next 18 months.

My son's heart rate dropped to <90 BPM while my wife was giving labor and it ended in a C-section.

My friend's wife had a partial placenta abruption during delivery which lead to a C-section. Both mother and baby survived. Likely wouldn't be the case if they weren't near an operating room.

Because of my experiences, I cannot and will not advocate for giving birth outside of a hospital where there is monitored care and an OR in the next room. I'm fine with water births (in the hospital), "all natural" without an epidural etc.