You processed the placenta in your kitchen, dehydrated it, and gave the pills to the mom. Three days later, she’s in the ICU with a blood infection (GBS). The hospital lab tests the pills and finds bacteria. You are now facing a “Product Liability” lawsuit. Your Doula insurance agent says, “We cover services, not goods. You manufactured a product.”
Key Takeaways
- Service vs. Product: Making pills is considered “manufacturing.” Standard Professional Liability covers advice/support, not the safety of goods you sell/make.
- Food Safety Laws: In 2026, many states have tightened cottage food laws. If you processed this in an uninspected kitchen, you might be negligent per se.
- The “Product Liability” Endorsement: You must have a specific rider for Placenta Encapsulation. If it’s not listed on your Dec Page, you aren’t covered.
- GBS Risks: Group B Strep can survive dehydration if temperatures aren’t high enough. This is the #1 cause of encapsulation lawsuits.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Products-Completed Operations” Exclusion
Most malpractice policies have a “Products Exclusion.” It states that the insurance does not apply to bodily injury arising out of goods or products manufactured, sold, or distributed by the insured.
When you hand over a jar of pills, you are distributing a product. If that product causes sickness, the exclusion kicks in. You need a policy that specifically includes “Placenta Encapsulation Services and Products.”
[IMAGE: Placeholder for a screenshot of a lab report showing bacterial growth on placenta pills]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I looked for carriers that specifically cover the “Pills.”
CM&F Group
- The Good: They have a specific checkbox for “Placenta Encapsulation.” If you check it (and pay the extra ~$50), you are covered for the process.
- The Condition: You usually must hold a certificate from a recognized encapsulation training organization. “Self-taught” might not cut it.
Biologix / Specialized Carriers
- The Analysis: There are niche carriers for encapsulators that cover “Spoilage” and “Product Liability” more broadly.
- The Cost: Slightly higher, but they understand the science better than a general carrier.
Comparison Table
Ensuring your pills are covered.
| Carrier | Covers Encapsulation? | Requirements |
| Standard Doula Policy | NO. (Usually) | N/A |
| CM&F with Endorsement | Yes | Must be certified/trained. |
| General Liability | Maybe (check “Products”) | Commercial kitchen often required. |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the Box: Log into your insurance portal. Ensure “Placenta Encapsulation” is listed as a covered specialty. If not, add it today.
- Process in Client’s Home: Liability is lower if you process in their kitchen. You are then providing a “service” (cooking) rather than selling a “product” (manufacturing). It blurs the line in your favor.
- Use Temperature Logs: In 2026, you should photograph the dehydrator temperature reading. This is your proof that you killed the bacteria.
- Waiver is Mandatory: Have a specific waiver where the client acknowledges the risks of consuming biological material.
FAQ
Q: I do it for free. Am I liable?
A: Yes. Product liability applies even if the product was a gift.
Q: What if the hospital released a contaminated placenta?
A: You could still be liable for not spotting the infection (foul odor, discoloration). You are the “expert” processor.