In a troubling turn of events, Facebook has yet again censored a birth photograph, labeling it a violation of their nudity policies. This has left the photographer, Clara Jensen, exasperated—and rightfully so. Birth is not sexual; it is a natural and beautiful part of life. Those who follow a birth photographer’s page are likely interested in such images, and shouldn’t be caught off guard by them.
Clara has faced this issue multiple times before; this latest incident marks the sixth occasion her work has been flagged. This time, she not only had a photo removed but also received a warning that her business page, “Blossom Photography”, could be unpublished. To make matters worse, she is now subjected to a 30-day ban, which restricts her from interacting on her own page. “It’s incredibly frustrating from a business perspective. I’ve received several strikes against my account even though the images I’ve shared comply with the guidelines,” Clara shared in an interview with Home Insemination Kit. “As the bans become longer, it creates a fear of posting content that could lead to further penalties.”
“When Facebook removes birth images that adhere to their nudity guidelines, it sends a message that birth is something to be ashamed of,” Clara states. “It discourages people from celebrating this vital life event and limits the visibility of these significant moments.” The image in question can be seen on her blog, where she showcases her stunning portfolio at Blossom Photography.
People who choose to follow a birth photographer are actively seeking this content, whether they are expecting mothers looking for reassurance or simply those curious about the birthing process. “Witnessing a birth can enlighten individuals about their options during labor,” Clara explains. “Many aren’t aware of the possibilities available to them.”
The problem often arises when a random user flags birth images, upsetting the delicate balance of community standards. If someone is following a birth photographer, they shouldn’t have the capacity to flag such images. This creates an unjust environment where families sharing their stories feel as though they’ve done something wrong.
One mother involved in the censored photo, who prefers to remain anonymous, expressed her feelings: “During my pregnancy, I immersed myself in birth stories and images. They evoked a whirlwind of emotions: fear, anticipation, and excitement. These visuals empowered me, and I believed I could do this.” She continued, “We shared our story with the hope of inspiring others, but the censorship felt like a message that we had erred in some way.”
Clara advocates for Facebook to revise its nudity policies, suggesting they clarify what is acceptable regarding birth images and educate their staff on human anatomy to prevent misunderstandings. “People come to my page to feel at ease about giving birth—there aren’t many places to connect with the realities of the birthing experience. Real-life examples help demystify what to expect,” she emphasizes.
Birth can be intimidating, and women often seek comfort and preparation through images like these. They are uplifting and affirm the incredible capabilities of the female body. After all, we create life, and that should never be a source of shame.
The mother in the image added, “I never anticipated the photo would stir such controversy, but I’m grateful it’s raising awareness about how women and birth are often censored and shamed. If we were more exposed to the realities of birth, perhaps this wouldn’t be an issue.”
In summary, the ongoing censorship of birth images on social media platforms highlights a broader societal discomfort with the natural act of childbirth. Advocates like Clara Jensen are calling for a change in policies to foster a more accepting environment for celebrating this essential life event.