This paper analyses the phenomenon of home deliveries by pregnant women in an urban setting in
Zimbabwe. It argues that, though home deliveries are commonly practiced in the rural areas, they have now found
their way into and are even proliferating in the urban areas. Social cultural values, religious belief and economic
status/resources determine women’s place of birth. Whilst government policies expounded through the Ministry of
Health (MoH) programs and policies denounce home deliveries, the frail health care system characterized by mass
exodus of qualified personnel, in availability of drugs and understaffing of healthcare centres do little to lure
pregnant women to deliver in hospitals. Furthermore, the high levels of poverty among the populace entail that
people cannot afford either public or private hospital services; and thus resort to home-based healthcare and
subsequently home deliveries. The paper explores the factors fuelling home deliveries and the challenges associated
with this practice in Harare, Zimbabwe.