When Lorren Holliday became pregnant in 2018, she joined Emilee Saldaya’s Facebook group and quickly became immersed in the Free Birth Society podcasts. This decision ultimately led to tragedy, as detailed in episode three of a year-long investigation by Guardian journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne, titled The Birth Keepers.
The Podcast That Changed Everything
The Free Birth Society, founded by Emilee Saldaya, promotes unassisted childbirth and rejects medical intervention. Holliday, like many others, was drawn to the community's message of empowerment and natural birth. However, the podcast's influence proved dangerous, leading to a fatal outcome for Holliday and her baby.
A Year-Long Investigation
The Birth Keepers series, originally published on 10 December 2025, explores the risks associated with the free birth movement. Journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne spent a year investigating the group, interviewing members, and uncovering the tragic stories behind the ideology.
The Tragic Consequences
Holliday's story is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of rejecting medical care during childbirth. According to the investigation, her involvement with the Free Birth Society led to a preventable tragedy. The series aims to shed light on the movement and its impact on families.
