NEWS RELEASE - Wednesday May 5 2004

INTERNATIONAL MIDWIVES DAY, MAY 5TH 2004
HUNTER WOMEN DESERVE CHOICE IN MATERNITY CARE. MIDWIVES CAN ENHANCE SERVICES

Today, 5 May, midwives around the world celebrate the 'International Day of the Midwife'. Local advocate and National President of the Maternity Coalition, Justine Caines (Mother of 4) joins consumers across Australia demanding choice for women, especially country women.

"As a woman living in rural NSW (Merriwa) I understand too well that women have no real choice in maternity care. Upper Hunter women, like those across Australia regularly contact me enquiring on how they can be better supported in pregnancy, during birth and the crucial period of early parenting. Women would love to have a midwife care for them." Said Ms Caines

"Many midwives working across the Hunter would love to care for healthy women from early pregnancy right through. It is what they are trained for. Local midwives could alleviate the stress placed on GP's and importantly offer women choice, particularly that of a female carer." said Ms Caines.

Local Federal member, and Deputy-Prime Minister, John Anderson, says he is committed to strengthening families and communities. Support and early intervention in pregnancy is pivotal to this. "In New Zealand real progress has been made with women and families at risk, via the support of a known midwife during pregnancy, birth and early parenting." said Ms Caines.

"We know when women are given choice they largely choose midwives. 30 parliamentary enquires and reports (since 1985) into maternity services have also recommended enhancing maternity care with greater access to midwives. Let's give Hunter women a choice" Said Ms Caines

Contact: Justine Caines 0408210273

P.O. Box 1190
Blackburn North,
Victoria 3130
Australia