15 photographs capturing the beauty of giving birth
Yearly awards take place for fifth time
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.These 15 pictures capturing the moments before, during and after childbirth have been shortlisted for an annual photography competition.
The entries to the 2016 Image of Year Competition by the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) were judged on technicality, emotionality and composition.
Lyndsay Stradtner, the founder of the IAPBP, said: "I am so thrilled to be able to feature the tremendous talent of our members in the image competition this year.
"I want to thank each and every IAPBP member who entered this year and, of course, the families who agreed to share their beautiful birth moments with the world."
The judging panel included former chatshow host, Ricki Lake, and documentary filmmaker Abby Epstein who directed the film "The Business of Being Born".
This is the fifth time these annual awards have been held.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments