Homebirth is under threat with the Maternity Services Review report  proposing changes that will make it illegal for Australian midwives to attend homebirths as of July 2010. We need signatures to save the midwives in private practice and get recognition for the wonderful work they do. SIGN PETITION HERE

Background
Recently the federal government released the Maternity Services Review report (you may have seen the SBS Insight program dealing with the issues it raises.) The report proposes some promising reforms.  It could, if implemented in the most positive spirit, bring huge breakthroughs in many areas of maternity care.

However, there is a dark side to the report.  The report proposes an end to women’s access to midwifery care for homebirth.  If the Report’s recommendations are followed, homebirth midwifery could become illegal in 2010 with the introduction of National Registration of health caregivers.

My daughter was born at home with two private midwives, and now the birth of my son will follow suit in 3 months time. What the report proposes is that these midwives, as of next year will become practising illegally, minimising the choices to birth for women. I just shudder at the thought, as my research shows that homebirthing is just as safe (if not safer) than hospital births. It also means that many women might choose to birth at home without any care, or with midwives practising “underground”.

For more info on the Maternity Services Review Report see attached document “homebirth australia comment”.

We need as many people to SIGN THE PETITION BEFORE APRIL 1 2009. The petition will be presented to the Senate.

Homebirth Australia Comment