ACT Branch PO Box 269 LYNEHAM ACT 2602
Thursday 30 May 2002

Solution to Maternity Indemnity Crisis

The Maternity Coalition calls on the federal government to implement a real solution to indemnity for all maternity health professionals and particularly to acknowledge the evidence on the most effective care for the majority of healthy, pregnant, Australian women, the care of a known midwife.

Risk is the key issue. If the Government is serious about resolving this crisis and reducing their indemnity risk then they must implement more midwife care. "In Australia, fewer than 1% of women can currently access one-to-one continuity of care from a midwife in the public health system and only in specific locations in WA, SA and the ACT." Said Justine Caines.

There have been very few cases of litigation against midwives. It is known that when women are supported by midwives and take responsibility for their own care that they are far less likely to sue if an adverse outcome arises. Midwife-led care has been proven to result in fewer obstetric interventions to achieve safe childbirth; the fewer interventions the lower the risk.

"The majority of midwives that provide this care will not have insurance cover after tomorrow. Health Minister, Kay Patterson has not taken the plight of midwives seriously. Her actions show contempt for international best practice and the rights of women to access this care." Said Justine Caines.

The Maternity Coalition demands that independent midwives be treated as all other health professionals and have access to the government rescue package and that their legal and professional status as autonomous maternity providers be recognised.

"Over the last 15 years most states and territories have had enquiries into maternity services, they have all found a need to increase midwife care and yet little if any recommendations have been acted upon" said Maternity Coalition spokesperson, Justine Caines.

"It is ludicrous that when the country faces an indemnity crisis that includes maternity that there has not been an acknowledgement of midwife care that has been proven the most cost effective and appropriate by the World Health Organisation for the vast majority of women (80%)." Said Justine Caines

The Maternity Coalition is a national, not for profit organization, of consumers and midwives seeking to improve maternity services in Australia and to enable women to choose the care of a known midwife.

Media Contact: Justine Caines (02) 6238 1041, 0408 210273

Back to Media Releases

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