| Statements of Support (NMAP) |
| NMAP | Table of Contents | Executive Summary | Full copy (pdf) | Endorsements | Statements of Support MEDIA RELEASE Senator Kerry Nettle has called on The Minister for Health and Ageing to adopt the recommendations of the National Maternity Action Plan and address the medical indemnity mess that has crippled the midwifery sector in some states. "The current medical indemnity debacle has effectively made midwifery illegal in some states. "This ridiculous situation is disadvantaging women in rural and regional Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders whose cultural preferences are more suited to the midwifery approach to maternal care. "The World Health Organisation recognise that for most women midwives offer the most appropriate type of maternity care, and yet for most Australian women this less intrusive more flexible and culturally sensitive approach simply isn't available. "There is an urgent need to offer community midwifery services within the public health system. This simple step would greatly improve the range, access and quality of maternity care, whilst providing significant savings as compared to hospital based care. "Australia is seriously out of step with best practice on maternity care. The recommendations in this plan can and should be pursued to remedy that. Senator Nettle said. The National Maternity Action Plan was endorsed by the Australian Greens National Conference in Brisbane earlier this month. Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146 |