NEWS RELEASE - Friday August 13 2004

Mum's dying in childbirth, Figures already 5 years old! Indigenous Death Rate 3 times higher than non-indigenous

Maternal Deaths: 1997-99 report released yesterday by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is old news, 5 years in fact" said Justine Caines, National President of the Maternity Coalition.

In the last 5 years we have seen the caesarean section rate soar. A co-author of the report, Professor James King made a serious warning earlier this year based on a marked increase in the numbers of emergency hysterectomies (lifesaving) performed on women, by advising against elective caesarean section for no medical reason. (The Age 29/3/04).

"A very effective way to reduce surgical birth is to provide supportive care, particularly that of a known midwife. There seems to be no interest from the Federal Government to do this. On the contrary Health Minister, Tony Abbott continues to prop-up a highly medicalised system that is failing women" said Ms Caines

"Many rural women cannot even access a service; they are often pressured to have a surgical birth for no other reason than to be able to time the event. Government's have a duty of care to women. It seems they rather push them into large hospitals and a greater risk of surgery than providing the proven support of midwives."

Indigenous women fare the worst, 3 times the death rate of non-indigenous women. This is not because they are unable to access medical care; rather the care is culturally inappropriate. The majority of Australia's Indigenous women are ripped away from their communities to give birth in larger centres, often without support, accommodation or even food.

"Indigenous women have no voice, but when asked, many say they want to give birth in their own communities guided by midwives and family. International evidence has shown a vast improvement in Indigenous outcomes when care is provided locally."

Molly Wardaguga a retired Senior Aboriginal Health Worker, Burarra Elder and Member Maningrida (NT) Health Board says it all

"You listen to us. It's very important for young girls to be able to have their babies in their communities if they want to, with their families and the midwife there together. It's up to them. Young mothers need to have their aunties and grandmothers with them to tell them what to do - our culture way."

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