Speaking at the Parliamentary Health Committee, Ana Paula Martins said that this year, approximately 50 births were recorded outside the hospital (in ambulances or at home). She added that, despite not having objective data, reports of the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM) assistance indicate that home births are on the rise.

"Home births are never safe. They are an option, (...) but it must be said that some (...), fortunately, have not had fatal outcomes because the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM) arrives in time, the ambulance is called, and the birth is performed in the ambulance. Otherwise, we would have had fatal outcomes," she said.

As an example of the increase in home births, the minister said that in 2022, 25 births were recorded in ambulances, 18 in public spaces, and 126 at home. In 2023, there were 18 in ambulances, 15 in public spaces, and 140 at home, rising the following year to 28, 17, and 144, respectively.

This year, 52 births were recorded in ambulances, 18 in public spaces, one in primary health care, and 103 at home.

The minister also revealed that there has been an increase in the number of pregnant women seeking care through the National Health Service (SNS) but not receiving care during pregnancy. At the hearing, the minister highlighted the need to have a ratio of obstetricians and nurses specialising in Maternal and Obstetric Nursing (ESMO) more appropriate to the current situation, revealing: "Of every 100 births, 80 are performed by ESMO."

She also highlighted the need to review, with the Order of Physicians, the number of internship positions: "I cannot have a department prepared for five interns and then hire 15, but I also can't have a department prepared for 15 interns and only have five."

Regarding the seven vacant positions at Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada, which were not fully filled, the minister explained that three specialists chose to move to other institutions with better salary conditions and two are still in a period of reflection.