Those things you pointed out, all fall under "unless absolutely medically necessary" - a placental abruption definitely needs medical attention - and you get no forewarning of that so no-one is to know no matter what care you have. It can happen at any time, before labour or during. I'm not bagging Obs at all. But there is much to be said for overdiagnosis and convenience which is very prevalent but not obvious to the eye of most consumers because they just don't know otherwise.

Unfortunately there are not enough studies on transfers to hospital from homebirth, but if it was through the roof we'd know about it. You do have a midwife right by your side more than a hospital midwife, continuity of care which has much better outcomes and if that takes your fancy it's an option. Midwives use dopplers which are far more accurate. My mum had an internal monitor, it fell off, she was told the baby was dead and a midwife felt it wasn't right - she used a doppler and picked up the heartbeat. So technology can fail you and it often does. Not to argue any of your points, I am enjoying this discussion so thank-you for sharing your views - it's important to see a wide range of views.

You are too right about the stats. A midwife did some investigating after questioning a caesar for CPD (small pelvis) and when she read the notes, she was over being pregnant and wanted a caesar - so thats not good in the stats for real cases of CPD - it doesnt help when this is already overdiagnosed and has been for many years - this was about when even our mums gave birth and Obs were embarassed when mums gave birth at home fine, to bigger babies. There are plenty of examples on BB of overdiagnosed CPD where they have birthed fine after.