NEWS RELEASE - Wednesday July 21 2004

Lack of Government action puts NT women and babies at risk - Greens pressure government to act.

Last week the Northern Territory Nurses Board refused to re-register midwives practicing in the community because they have been unable to purchase indemnity insurance. Despite seeking assistance for 3 years both state and federal governments have refused to assist them. This act not only removes choice for women but potentially places them in danger.

"The Federal Government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to Obstetricians and yet currently refuses to assist midwives. In the majority of pregnancies, midwives provide pregnancy and birth care as do Obstetricians. The Federal Government must immediately right this anti- competitive and discriminatory practice." said Virginia Nock, NT President of the Maternity Coalition

"Community midwives provide a choice to both indigenous and non-indigenous women in the territory. This choice is now not available, despite being recognised as the safest for the majority of women." said Ms Nock

"We know that many indigenous women want to give birth 'on country' or close to their community. This move from the Nurses Board will prevent midwives attending women. The NT and federal government have a duty of care to women. Midwives must be able to care for women in hospital and in their community, anything else is unsafe." said Ms Nock.

Molly Wardaguga a retired Senior Aboriginal Health Worker, Burarra Elder and Member Maningrida 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."

"Maternity Coalition is seeking immediate intervention from the Federal Government and support from the NT Government. The NT has been the first jurisdiction to de-register independent midwives, but legislation exists across the country, so we expect other states to follow. If that happens thousands of women could give birth alone." said Ms Nock

"The major parties have shown contempt for women's choice, contempt for the self determination of indigenous communities and are now ignoring safe practice. What will it take for them to act?" asked Ms Nock.

"It has been two years since the Maternity Coalition launched the 'National Maternity Action Plan - A blueprint for maternity service reform'. This document was launched in every state and territory with representatives from every party. The Greens have endorsed NMAP as national policy and are today supporting women across the Territory and Australia to choose a midwife." said Ms Nock

"This 48 page document proves community midwifery as the most appropriate care for 80% of women; it also outlines the 30 parliamentary enquiries into maternity services since 1985. All recommend enhancing midwifery care, yet no recommendations have been acted upon. Where is the accountability for safety and cost effectiveness?" asked Ms Nock

National Maternity Action Plan: Available at http://www.maternitycoalition.org.au/nmap.html 
Contact: Virginia Nock 0438 888755

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