"Doula Diaries," a new documentary exploring the world of birth doulas, is getting a premiere and panel discussion at The New Parkway in Oakland — and whether or not you've ever thought twice about childbirth policy, this one touches on something that should matter to anyone who cares about individual choice and healthcare freedom.

For the uninitiated, doulas are non-medical birth companions who provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and delivery. They're not doctors. They're not nurses. They're advocates — and the fact that their role remains controversial in some corners of the healthcare establishment tells you everything you need to know about how territorial the system has become.

Here's the liberty angle: American families spend more on childbirth than families in virtually any other developed country, and yet our maternal mortality rates are embarrassingly high. The U.S. healthcare system has a well-documented habit of funneling patients toward expensive, intervention-heavy procedures — and birth is no exception. Doulas represent an alternative that's cheaper, often leads to better outcomes, and puts decision-making power back in the hands of the people actually having the baby.

Naturally, regulatory barriers and insurance gatekeeping have made it harder than it needs to be for doulas to practice and for families to access their services. Several states have moved to require Medicaid coverage for doula care, which is a step — but the broader issue is a healthcare system that's allergic to competition and consumer choice.

The premiere and panel discussion offer a chance to hear directly from people navigating this space. Whether you're planning a family, interested in healthcare reform, or just tired of a system that charges $30,000 for a hospital birth while outcomes keep getting worse, "Doula Diaries" seems like a worthwhile evening out.

More choices, better outcomes, lower costs. That shouldn't be a radical proposition.