Health, I agree with you, and since no one has stated the statistics of unfortunate outcomes of homebirths this has been a one-sided discussion which obviously does not give all the true facts.
As far as epidurals are concerned, obviously there are risks with any procedure but they have been greatly improved since the 1980’s. In addition YOU can choose NOT to have an epidural. YOU can choose to have your child completely without any drugs at all. That is your CHOICE as the patient and the mother. WE did it way back when, it was called Lamaze. We used breathing techniques to help us through the labor pains. Others used hypnosis.
The point is that YOU should be in control of how you choose to deliver your baby. But that has to be an educated choice with consideration of the advice the doctor you CHOSE and supposedly trust has given you. If you prefer not to use drugs CHOOSE a doctor who has the same mindset and methodology as you. Don’t go with one doctor and then complain about his normal procedures. It is up to you to do your research when choosing a doctor in the first place. Discuss everything before you get to the end of your pregnancy and make sure that you and your doctor are on the same page.