South Dakota Safe Childbirth Options, Inc. (SDSCO) is a group of concerned families operating under Christian principles promoting safe and responsible birth options. SDSCO is dedicated to protecting midwives and families and to educating the public about the safety and practicality of midwife-attended home birth, other birth options, and related issues concerning the health and safety of women and children.

Because we believe that children are a blessing, and because we respect life and its natural processes, we support the Five Standards of Safe Childbearing set by the National Association of Parents and Professionals for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth (NAPSAC).

These standards are...

• Good Nutrition
• Skillful midwifery
• Natural childbirth
• Home birth
• Breastfeeding

We also support the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative developed by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services.

We stand for the freedom of parents to make their own decisions about where they want their child to be born and whom to have present at the birth. We stand for the freedom of parents to decide who the best possible birth attendants will be for their family.

What we do...

Our primary purpose is to improve and expand access to safe and responsible birth options through advancing legislation that will protect midwives and families in South Dakota.

• SDSCO sponsors a "Healthy Birth Conference" annually.
• SDSCO publishes "The Birth Blessings Messenger" three times per year. It is an informative newsletter about birth, prenatal care, child care, and related subjects.
• SDSCO provides speakers to church groups, civic organizations, and college groups provided the costs of transportation, meals, and lodging (if necessary), are covered. South Dakota is a large state, and our speakers are volunteers. Speakers may not be available for all functions for which they are requested.
• SDSCO provides information about safe childbirth options.

Why we do it...

 Midwife-attended home birth...

• has a strong backing from the American Public Health Association and the World Health Organization.
• reduces the risk of infection.
• reduces the risks from unnecessary interventions.
• reduces infant mortality.
• reduces infant and maternal morbidity.
• does not interfere with bonding and breastfeeding.
• provides a safe, comfortable, and private birth. Home birth also provides a birth where the family makes the decisions that are best for them.
• affirms that birth is a natural process designed by God.