Church of Scientology Media Advisory

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL RESPONDS ON SILENT BIRTH

Los Angeles – The Church of Scientology International responds to inquiries concerning the application of Dianetics and Scientology principles to childbirth.

Recent media reports have misinformed the public about how Dianetics and Scientology principles relate to childbirth. This advisory clarifies the issue by explaining what Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote on the subject of childbirth in his book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, and how Scientologists apply this material in making decisions about the birth of their children.

What is a silent or quiet birth?

Silent birth means creating a calm birthing environment, without those in the presence of mother and child talking. The reason for this is to protect both mother and child from adverse spiritual effects of the birth experience.

In his book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Dianetics and Scientology, wrote,

“Everyone must learn to say nothing within the expectant mother's hearing during labor and delivery.”

And,

“A woman who wants her child to have the best possible chance will find a doctor who will agree to keep quiet especially during the delivery, and who will insist upon silence being maintained in the hospital delivery room as far as it is humanly possible.”

Does this mean that a mother cannot scream or moan at all?

No. There is nothing that says a woman cannot make any noise. The point of silent birth is NO WORDS. It is words that are the culprit. This is a Dianetics principle and to fully understand it, one should read the book. It explains that what is said around a person when in pain and unconscious stores in a part of the mind—called the reactive mind— which is always recording. Those recordings have an effect on a person's spiritual and emotional well-being and can even cause up to 70% of man's physical ills, which are psychosomatic.

Outside of not speaking, the objective of a silent birth is generally to have as peaceful and relaxing an environment as possible for the mother and child. It is doubtful that any woman could give birth without making any noise at all.

Mothers naturally want to give their baby the best possible start in life and thus keep the birth as quiet as possible.

Does the Scientology religion recommend that no one speaks to the newborn for 7 days after the delivery?

Absolutely not. This would be completely contrary to one of the fundamental Scientology principles, which is that the individual is a spiritual being. L. Ron Hubbard's writings stress the importance of communication as a basis for happiness and success in living.

Does the application of these principles preclude a mother from
using medicines?

The Church has no policy against the use of medicines to help a person with a physical situation. This, too, is up to the mother and her doctor.

For more information:

If you have any questions, or would like to speak with a representative of the Church of Scientology International about the above, please contact Pascal Cottier. publicrelations@scientology.net