Anti-Medical Cult Linked to Preventable Infant Deaths

Social media influencers built a million-dollar empire promoting dangerous “freebirth” practices that have now been linked to preventable infant deaths across the globe. This investigative report exposes how the Free Birth Society, led by founders Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark, transformed radical anti-medical ideology into a profitable, cult-like movement. The organization generated millions while actively discouraging life-saving medical intervention, leading to tragic outcomes and severe birth injuries for families worldwide.

Story Snapshot

The Free Birth Society generated millions promoting unassisted births without medical care, reaching over 10,000 families worldwide
Investigative reports directly link the organization’s teachings to multiple preventable infant deaths and severe birth injuries
Founders Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark built a cult-like following while profiting from anti-establishment birth ideology
Medical professionals warn that the movement spreads dangerous misinformation that deliberately discourages life-saving medical intervention

Influencers Cash In on Anti-Medical Sentiment

Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark transformed fringe birth ideology into a global money-making machine through the Free Birth Society, founded in 2017. Their flagship product, “The Complete Guide to Freebirth,” reached over 10,000 women and families by promoting “wild pregnancy” and unassisted birth without any medical professionals. The duo expanded their empire in 2020 with the Radical Birth Keeper School, training unlicensed “birth keepers” to spread their anti-medical message while generating substantial revenue through online courses and coaching programs.

Tragic Outcomes Follow Dangerous Advice

Major investigative reporting by The Free Press and other outlets has documented multiple cases where Free Birth Society teachings directly contributed to preventable infant deaths and severe birth injuries. The organization explicitly rejects all medical involvement, including prenatal screening, midwifery care, and emergency interventions that could save lives. Former members and bereaved families have come forward describing a cult-like environment that shames women for seeking medical help, even during life-threatening complications that require immediate professional intervention.

Medical Community Sounds Alarm on Deadly Movement

Healthcare professionals overwhelmingly condemn the Free Birth Society’s practices as extremely dangerous misinformation that puts both mothers and babies at unnecessary risk. The movement’s “sovereign birth” ideology deliberately undermines established medical protocols designed to prevent maternal and infant mortality. Medical organizations emphasize that while natural birth preferences are valid, completely rejecting prenatal care and emergency medical support creates preventable tragedies that violate basic child welfare principles.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated distrust in medical institutions, providing fertile ground for the Free Birth Society’s anti-establishment messaging to flourish. Operating primarily through social media platforms and private online communities, the organization cultivated a global following across North America, Europe, and Australia by exploiting legitimate concerns about over-medicalized childbirth while promoting extremely dangerous alternatives that reject all professional medical oversight.

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I am so sick of these idiot women pushing their cult online. It is not safe to have a free birth and I don't care if these retarded women here want to argue with me.

— Toadstool Noodle (@ToadstoolPasta) November 22, 2025