In a striking move, Facebook has once again censored a birth photo, citing “nudity violations.” Photographer Laura Bennett has had enough, and rightly so. Birth is a natural, beautiful event—not something that should be hidden away. If someone is following a birth photographer, it’s clear they want to see these images; they shouldn’t be shocked by them.
This marks the fifth time that Facebook has removed one of Bennett’s images. This time, she faced threats of having her business page, Blooming Families, unpublished, along with a 30-day ban that leaves her unable to interact with followers. “It’s incredibly frustrating from a business perspective,” Bennett explains. “I’ve received multiple strikes against my account for sharing images that align with Facebook’s guidelines, yet the bans just keep getting longer, making me hesitant to post content that could be flagged again.”
When Facebook removes images of birth that comply with its nudity policies, it sends a harmful message, dismissing birth as something shameful. This not only stifles the celebration of a significant life event but also denies others the chance to witness these important moments.
The following image sparked this controversy:
To see more captivating moments from Bennett’s portfolio, check out her blog at Blooming Families.
Expectant parents often turn to birth photographers for reassurance and insight into the birthing process. “Seeing real births, especially those that showcase different options, can empower families,” Bennett notes. “Many are unaware of the choices available to them during labor, and seeing these images can provide much-needed encouragement.”
The issue arises when users flag birth images as inappropriate, even though they follow guidelines. If someone is actively following a birth photographer, they should not have the ability to report such images. It’s not fair to the families who wish to share their journeys.
The mother from the censored photo, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared her experience: “During my pregnancy, I immersed myself in birth stories and visuals. They made me feel strong and prepared. When our photo was taken down, it felt like we were being told we had done something wrong.”
Bennett advocates for a change in Facebook’s policies regarding nudity. “They need to clarify their guidelines around birth images and educate their staff on human anatomy so they can distinguish between a birth image and something inappropriate.”
Many individuals turn to Bennett’s page to familiarize themselves with the birthing process, as there are limited resources available. Real-life images can ease anxieties and help people understand the beauty of birth. After all, bringing new life into the world is a miraculous feat that should be celebrated, not censored.
“I never anticipated the backlash from sharing our birth photo, but I’m grateful it highlights how society shames women and the act of giving birth,” the mother commented. “Perhaps if we were more exposed to the realities of birth, we wouldn’t face such stigmas.”
In summary, it’s essential to advocate for a more accepting view of birth imagery, as it plays a crucial role in educating and empowering families. If you’re interested in understanding more about home insemination, you can explore our post on this topic here. For those looking for reliable products, check out Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Kindbody offers valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
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