having a baby in St Jean de Luz

A friend of ours is expecting. We had coffee with her yesterday (she drank water). She explained that in St Jean de Luz everyone is treated the same in the health system regardless of means. All pregnant mothers, who wish a hospital birth, can be admitted to hospital up to one week before the due date. Each mother has a private room with food on tap, television and movies. Each mother also has the option of retaining the room for up to two weeks after giving birth. The same midwife and medical staff are used throughout to ensure the mother has as little stress as possible. All free of charge. A little more civilised than in other countries, even if it is also equally burdensome on the economy.