NEWS RELEASE - Wednesday September 8 2004
Contact: 0408 210 273

Obstetric Rip Off- No services for rural women: All Health consumers will suffer from Medicare Blow-out

The Government's plan to include obstetric services into Medicare is grossly inequitable said Justine Caines, National President of Maternity Coalition, Australia's national maternity advocacy organisation.

"Many rural women do not have access to a maternity service at all. As taxpayers they are being totally ripped off." said Ms Caines.

Maternity Coalition has made representations to Deputy PM, John Anderson with proven solutions on how safe and sustainable maternity services can be re-introduced into rural areas.

"Despite an assurance by Mr Anderson to look at the evidence and address this urgent rural issue, he has not acted."

"The Government has shown little interest in improving the lives of pregnant women in the bush and John Anderson who is meant to be the voice of country people is all of a sudden quiet."

"This huge waste of money will only help one-third of pregnant women." said Ms Caines

"This cash grab is not about women or families but about ensuring lavish lifestyles for highly paid specialists."

Australian taxpayers are funding the medical indemnity insurance for Obstetricians; they are also funding the 30% rebate for private health cover, now they will be funding consultations for Drs who have consistently charged their patients excessive fees.

"Considering childbirth is the largest single reason for hospitalisation, cost effectiveness is important. There is evidence of huge waste in maternity services, without providing better outcomes for Mother's and babies and in fact often creating more harm with considerably higher interventions."

"Midwifery care is proven to be more appropriate and cost effective for the majority of women, midwifery programs are over-subscribed and are not given more funding. Why?"

Australia's National Maternity Consumer Advocacy Organisation www.maternitycoalition.org.au

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