Submission from Homebirth Australia to ACM
Download Homebirth Australia's submission to the Australian College of Midwives re the Interim Homebirth Position Statement and Guidelines for Privately Practising Midwives. [PDF]
Key points are:
Contraindications for homebirth
The list of contraindications for homebirth ignores what we know, that many women will continue to choose to birth at home who fit into these risk profile categories. And with good reason, Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) success rates for women choosing home as their place of birth in Australia are around 95% as compared to in hospital where success rates are as low as 6.7% The Position Statement must recognise this and explicitly respect a woman’s right to choose, and her midwife’s right to continue to provide care for her. A midwife cannot be placed in a position where she is forced by her own professional body to abandon the care of a woman if she and her family make their own well-informed decision to birth at home. These women will be left without a care-provider and that is completely unacceptable.
Mandatory Consultation with an Obstetrician
Mandatory obstetric consultations must be removed from the Interim Homebirth Position Statement and associated Guidelines.
To force a women into obstetric hospital based care against her will is a breach of the common law rights of a woman and established case law including St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust v S (1998) 44 BMLR 160 (CA) UK and Re MB (1997) 38 BMLR 175 (Court of Appeal) UK.
We refer you to the National Guidance on Collaborative Maternity Care
commissioned by the Department of Health and Ageing and released in 2010 from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). In it’s discussion of collaboration this document states:
A woman decides who she involves in this decision-making process,
be it a health professional, partner, doula, her extended family, friends or community, and should be free to consider their advice without being pressured, coerced, induced or forced into care that is not what she desires (McLean and Petersen 1996). Women have the right to decline care or advice if they choose, or to withdraw consent at any time.
Therefore, if a woman declines care or advice based on the information provided, her choice must be respected (UNESCO 2005). Importantly, women should not be ‘abandoned’ because of their choice (FPA Health and Read 2006, Faunce 2008; NHMRC consultations 2009).
The Interim Homebirth Position Statement and associated Guidelines are in direct conflict with the recommendations in the National Guidance on Collaborative Maternity Care
as they encourage midwives to abandon the care of a woman who makes their own choices and declines care/advice, and they enforce mandatory consultations with Obstetricians.
Legal Implications
Over the coming years, the impacts of the ACM Homebirth policy will become apparent if it is not modified to ensure private midwives can continue to provide care for all Australian women who make an informed choice to birth at home. The ACM Interim Homebirth policy is forcing midwives to do what is essentially illegal by insisting on treating women against their will. If the point of the ACM Guidelines is to improve safety, then in it’s current format it is going to be counter-productive. There
will always be a core group of women who will continue to birth at home regardless of their designated ‘risk profile.’ The College is asking their members who are privately practising midwives to make impossible choices about whether to abandon a woman’s care or force medical treatment upon their clients. Compliance with the ACM Interim Homebirth
Position Statement and associated Guidelines in their current format will result in midwives acting illegally as a direct result of ACM policy.
Australian Homebirth Consortium - Consensus Statement
In response to the ongoing threat to homebirth in Australia and the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) releasing the Interim Homebirth Position Statement and Guidelines for feedback, Homebirth Australia has consulted with stakeholder groups across the country. As a result, the Australian Homebirth Consortium (AHC) has been formed from interested stakeholder groups including consumers and midwives. The aim of the Australian Homebirth Consortium is to bring the groups working for homebirth together to share information and work together for the future of homebirth in Australia.
There is significant concern amongst many midwives and consumers as the ‘interim’ statement is already being used to regulate the care that women can receive and being cited in disciplinary proceedings for midwives. The ACM Interim Homebirth Position Statement has been endorsed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), before feedback has been received from consumers and private midwives.
We the undersigned request:
• That the Australia College of Midwives immediately withdraw the current position statement on homebirth as it is currently negatively impacting on women and midwives, and formally consult widely with midwives, consumers, their representative groups and others affected by this regulation before reformulating this statement.
• That the Australia College of Midwives formulate a guideline whether part of the ACM Interim Homebirth Position Statement and associated Guidelines or separate, that clearly and unequivocally endorses and documents the process for a woman’s right to informed refusal and the midwife’s right to provide care for her in pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum irrespective of the woman’s risk status and without regulatory or legal consequence for the midwife or the woman.
Download the consensus statement here. [PDF]
If you are a member of a homebirth group who is not currently part of the Australian Homebirth Consortium, but your group would like to join our regular teleconferences to share information and work together where possible to protect homebirth in Australia, please email homebirthaustralia@gmail.com with the details of your group and contact person.
All groups are welcome to join.
Individual Feedback to ACM on Homebirth Position Statement
We encourage all our members to send individual submissions to the Australian College of Midwives on the Interim Homebirth Position Statement. It is due by 23 September 2011. Email your feedback to info@midwives.org.au. Read the statement and guidelines on the ACM website here.
Save HBAC in Australia
Urgent Call to Action
Women's rights to choose where and how they give birth are once again under threat
In Western Australia in late June, a private midwife attended a HBAC (Homebirth after Caesarean). Her case is currently under investigation. The information we have is that she operated within her scope of practice and followed the ACM guidelines completely and the woman birthed beautifully at home. However the hospital where she was booked into in case of the need to transfer, reported the midwife. She has since had restrictions placed on her registration. She was given only 36 hours to respond to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Women in her care, who are due to birth in the coming weeks are left without a midwife, and her livelihood has been taken away.
This sets an extremely serious, and worrying, precendent.
This is not an isolated incident. Read more here about how you can take action today to protect HBAC in Australia.
Feedback to Australian College of Midwives
27 May 011
Homebirth Australia was asked to provide feedback to the Australian College of Midwives draft Homebirth Position Statement.
We have engaged with homebirth and maternity interest groups from across the country and our united position was that our organisations are unable to endorse the ACM draft document. Key stakeholders developed a
homebirth position statement in October 2009, namely, Homebirth Australia, Maternity Coalition, Australian Private Midwives Association and the Australian College of Midwives.
As this document was developed together and drafted in a spirit of consensus we believe this document adequately reflects appropriate midwifery practice, based on the ICM definition and the rights and responsibilities of women who chose to give birth at home.
Our combined position is that the October 2009 document (along with contemporaneous flow-chart) remains the agreed position until all parties, through consensus, draft another
document.
- Homebirth Australia
- Maternity Coalition
- Australian Private Midwives Association
- The Australian Society of Independent Midwives
- Midwives Australia
- Homebirth Access Sydney
- Dunedin Homebirth Association
- Blue Mountains Homebirth Group
- Hunter Home and Natural Birth Support
- Caesarean Awareness Recovery Education Support SA
- Homebirth Network of SA
- Midwives in Private Practice
- Nimbin Birth and Beyond
- Birth Choices South West WA Inc
Download the letter from the organisations above.
Download the flow chart agreed to in October 2009.
Thursday September 23 2010
Homebirth Australia's Committee Position to the National Health (Collaborative arrangements for midwives) Determination 2010
The National Health (Collaborative arrangements for midwives) Determination 2010 (the Determination) is totally unacceptable for the following reasons:
It gives veto power over women's rights to bodily autonomy and the scope of midwifery practice to medical practitioners.
It will create a 2 tiered system, enabling funding only if one agrees with the particular views and practices of an individual medical practitioner (with no guarantees around evidence based practice and certainly no recognition of the common law rights of women as health consumers.
We believe Australia is contravening its agreement to CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women), particularly the Beijing protocol that states
17. The explicit recognition and reaffirmation of the right of all women to control all aspects of their health, in particular their own fertility, is basic to their empowerment;
Curbing the practice of midwives who wish to become eligible for Medicare practice contravenes the International Confederation of Midwives definition of a Midwife and
Australia's commitment to the 2008 Glasgow Declaration that states
"Legislation which is enacted to govern the practice of midwives should:
- enable midwives to practise freely in any setting
- adopt a "Definition of the Midwife' congruent with the ICM definition, appropriate to the country within the legislation
- recognise that all women have a right to be attended by a competent midwife
- allow for the midwife to practise in her own right
- recognise
the importance of separate midwifery regulation and legislation which supports and enhances the work of midwives in improving maternal, child and public health"
Way Forward?
Homebirth Australia supports a universal funding arrangement for all pregnant women in Australia. We believe that individual women should be able to
direct that funding. Homebirth Australia supports funding private midwifery care for birth at home and in hospital.
Current Medicare related legislation requires a determination around collaboration in order to operate. We do not support the proposed
determination and call for a complete re-write.
Homebirth Australia understands many consumers do not have the means to pay for a private midwife. Medicare funding could greatly assist. Whilst we see the current determination as totally unworkable we support seeing this process through to the end conclusion in the hope that Minister Roxon will put the common law rights and international obligations protecting women ahead of the desires of the medical lobby.
Response to the Position of the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) to the determination
The Australian College of Midwives say not allowing the National Health (Collaborative arrangements for midwives) Determination 2010 is 'too risky' as then access to Medicare funding and PBS will be lost. Homebirth Australia strongly disagrees.
Instead, we ask women if they can agree to a legislative instrument that hands control of a woman's right to determine her healthcare and a midwife's actual practice to a medical practitioner. The current instrument requires
midwives to seek permission to practice, whilst requiring nothing of
medical practitioners and providing no safeguards for women.
Sunday August 28 2010
Justine Caines and Dr Andrew Pesce, Head of the Australian Medical Association Debate 2GB Radio
Listen Online.
Saturday July 30 2010
Homebirth Australia Newsletter - July 2010
SECONDARY REGULATIONS JUST RELEASED & THE ELECTION - WHAT YOU CAN DO
The
Secondary Regulations which define "collaborative arrangements" have
just been released and as feared they give doctors a veto over women's
choices.
You can view the document here
With
the election looming on 21st August we have 3 weeks when the
politicians are listening a little more than usual to voters. It is
time to pick up the pen, the phone or turn on your computer and once
again, contact your Federal members.
1. Check which electorate
you are in and who the candidates are in your electorate. The ABC
election website has links to this information - click on the "Green Guide" link.
(Be sure to check back on the website as new candidates are announced)
2.Contact
each of the candidates and ask them what their position is on the
recently passed legislation forcing midwives into "collaborative
arrangements" with doctors. Specifically we are pushing for:
- A guarantee that the medical veto over women's choices will be removed
- A
commitment that women's rights to informed consent (including the right
of refusal) will be expressly recognised in all codes, guildelines and
frameworks relating to midwifery practice
- Ensure that privately practising midwives have visiting rights in hospitals across the country
- A commitment to funding and insurance for homebirth to ensure equity for all Australian women
3.There
are a number of women standing as Independent candidates in marginal
seats who are homebirth advocates. Lets give them all the support we
can - including spreading the word to people you know in their
electorates, or helping them out with leg-work for the campaign.
MICHELLE MEARES - Robertson (Central Coast NSW) - visit website
SALLY ANNE BROWN - Corangamite (Southern Vic/Geelong VIC) - visit website
AMY BELL - Macquarie (Blue Mountains NSW) - visit website
REBECCA JENKINSON - Dickson (Brisbane outer Northern QLD) - visit website
4. Email your contact details to federalphone2010@gmail.com
and you will be notified by text message when Julia Gillard or Tony
Abbott are close by so you can pull out your ready made protest sign and
confront them about the issues. The more
HOMEBIRTH AUSTRALIA COMMITTEE
Read Full Article»
Thursday June 10 2010
Homebirth Rights and Responsibility – A response to Susie O'Brien from Justine Caines
Let’s
lock up the homebirthers. I must admit it has got a ring to it. Lets
make the law retrospective and capture Bill Grainger and his wife
Natalie, Noni Hazlehurst, Tracy Bartram, not to mention Cameron Daddo,
Tropfest’s John Polson, John Butler, and even former Prime Minister Bob
Hawke’s daughter, Sue. They could join the thousands more, amongst them
doctors and lawyers who have chosen homebirth after considered
research. Read Full Article»
Wednesday June 9 2010
Media
Release: Will Women’s issues be the election slow burner? First of
many electorate protests in Macquarie – the most marginal
Today
women will gather in protest outside the Springwood Sports Club
challenging Minister for women, Tanya Plibersek to do her job and
protect the rights of women and candidate Susan Templeman to work to
ensure safe maternity care that meets the needs of local women.
“This
is the first of many protests demonstrating to both major parties that
there is a Mums Army out their angrily demanding their basic rights.”
said Justine Caines Homebirth Australia spokesperson. Read Full Article»
Tuesday May 25 2010
Response
from Homebirth Australia: Safety and Quality Framework guiding
Midwifery Care provided by Privately Practising Midwives attending
homebirths from Homebirth Australia
How can a woman's human and common law rights be eroded by the Quality and Safety Framework?
Despite
making written and verbal representations regarding established legal
rights of women, the QSF fails to reflect the significance of these
rights. Read Full Article»
NEWS RELEASE
Thursday January 10 2010
Contact: Justine Caines 0408 210 273
Hundreds
of women expected outside AMA office in Melbourne. Telling the AMA to
but out - Challenging Rudd to honour health reform promise.
Women and babies will gather outside AMA’s Victoria office from 10.45am: 293 Royal Parade PARKVILLE (Melways 29 G12)...
Read Full Article»
NEWS RELEASE
Sunday January 17 2010
Contact: Justine Caines 0408 210 273
AMA
Campaign likely to drive homebirth underground putting women and babies
at risk: Minister Roxon must put the welfare of women and babies ahead
of the interests of the AMA
The
Medical Journal of Australia will release a paper tomorrow claiming
increased death rates from homebirths in South Australia over a 16-year
period (1991-2006).
“When one actually reads the data we find
none of the sensational claims are able to be made. The research is
fundamentally flawed and reporting claims of increased death linked to
homebirth is simply not supportable.” said Justine Caines, Secretary of
Homebirth Australia and mother of seven home born children.
Of
the 9 deaths reported, 7 occurred in hospital and 2 at home. The
researchers are unable to determine facts around transfer and as such
unable to draw any real conclusions. Important facts to note is that a
number of deaths include conditions that would have resulted the baby
dying, something that was known beforehand with a decision being made to
give birth in hospital.
“Women may have chosen homebirth in
early pregnancy, then to find serious complication or abnormality, only
to then choose hospital birth. How can this be considered ‘unsafe’?
Isn’t this exactly what obstetricians call for?” asked Ms Caines
“AMA
President, Dr Andrew Pesce has taken this flawed study to dangerous
heights. This is irresponsible and we consider his actions could be
very dangerous for women choosing homebirth.” Said Ms Caines
“To
date Health Minister, Nicola Roxon and even Kevin Rudd have been
spellbound by the AMA, acting in its members’ interests, rather than
those of women choosing to birth at home.” said Ms Caines
“It’s
time to grow up. We challenge Prime Minister Rudd to declare homebirth
unsafe and establish legislation to make it unlawful or provide
appropriate funding and insurance protection for private homebirth
care.” said Ms Caines
“The AMA considers a woman choosing
caesarean section without any medical need totally acceptable and the
Australian taxpayer funds the huge cost. A woman choosing to maximise
her chances of health and wellbeing through homebirth is discriminated
against with no funding or insurance protection. It would seem Minister
Roxon does not have the ticker to put women ahead of the AMA. This
cannot continue.”
AMA
Needs to put up or shut up. Either make steps to outlaw homebirth,
making it illegal for women or support their right to make choices.
Current political campaign places women and the babies in danger:
The
philosophical stance of the AMA and its political campaign to drive
homebirth underground could place the lives of women and their babies.
See articles in the following links: (MJA Articles 1[pdf]) & (MJA Articles 5[pdf])
Despite
the sensationalist claims of a 7 fold death increase and a 27 fold
increase in intrapartum asphyxia, the research actually found
9 deaths - 2 born at home and 7 in hospital. Of these, only 3 are related to intrapartum asphyxia.
The deaths were: (1) one had lethal congenital abnormalities (known beforehand and a decision made to be born at home),
(2)
1 had Hydrops Fetalis and (born in hospital), (3) 1 was unexplained
with a cord entanglement (born in hospital), (4) 1 had pulmonary
hypoplasia after a early rupture of membranes and (born in hospital),
(5) 1 was growth restricted with an abnormal karotype (born in hospital)
and (6) 1 postdates, birth in hospital without fetal monitoring (the
woman refused) and eventuated in a stillbirth and (7) one was a woman
with known haematological risk factors whose baby had a lethal
abnormality.
Of the 2 other deaths, (8) one was at home after a
waterbirth which was not found to be the cause of death but increased
monitoring may have identified the baby was in distress and (9) one was a
second twin (first twin born at home and second twin born after a delay
in transfer).
Therefore 3 deaths in 16 years - two of
which had risk factors. Therefore, 1 death in 16 years where there were
no risk factors. One Death in 16 years in a woman with no complication,
and yet we will see headlines of 7 times the death rate and 27 times
the rate of intrapartum asphyxia. To report this is DISHONEST
There
were no differences in Apgar scores or NICU admissions. One of the
studies flaws is that the planned home birth group includes women who
planned at booking but then developed risk factors and had their babies
in hospital. Is the AMA saying that midwives and women who refer and
consult and then decide to birth in hospital instead of home is
inappropriate? This paper is trying to mount an argument with
information that is simply not there.
The paper also highlights a
system found to be so terrible for some women that they choose to give
birth outside of it than in it, even with risk factors. Therefore, this
is an indictment on the current system - that needs a major overhaul -
not removing homebirth.
This is politically driven. We demand
that Health Minister Roxon and Prime Minister Rudd put the safety of
women and babies ahead of the interests of the AMA. Currently the AMA
has an ‘open line’ to the Minister and P.M’s office and yet the door is
firmly closed to Homebirth Australia.
Rudd says the health reform
buck stops with him. OK, P.M Rudd enable all Australian women equity
of choice and insurance protection, fund and indemnify private
homebirth.
SEE ATTACHMENTS (Also Below): (MJA Articles 1[pdf]) & (MJA Articles 5[pdf])
LAST CHANCE to prevent medical control of women's choice and midwifery practice
Dear Supporter of choice in childbirth
Last chance to prevent medical control of women’s choice and midwifery practice
Recently
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert was successful in passing the Medicare
related legislation with the wicked amendment (requiring midwives to
have a formal collaboration agreement with an individual Dr in order
for a midwife to seek registration and practice privately, thus giving
the Dr the ability to control women's choice and midwifery practice) to
a Senate Committee. YES ANOTHER COMMITTEE, but an important to chance
to show the women of the Australian Labor Party that have sold women's
rights down the river that we are NOT GOING TO GIVE UP
Please see
below all the relevant info, but please NOTE that submissions close
DECEMBER 11 - Not long. The Committee prefers to receive submissions
electronically as an attached document – email:
community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au – otherwise by fax (02) 6277 5829
We don't need reams in your submission, just simple information, especially personal stories:
Important facts to include if you can:
How
you as a woman and consumer or as a homebirth/continuity midwife was
treated when interacting with obstetrics or the 'system'
Your
stories as a consumer or midwife when interacting with the system. This
may have nothing to do with homebirth. It may be a hospital planned
birth (and the reason you then chose homebirth!!). What we are wanting
to demonstrate is that obstetrics and midwifery are so vastly different
and there is no way obstetrics can 'oversee' midwifery.
It is
important to remind the Senators of the time taken by obstetricians
(particularly in labour) as opposed to the care received by a
continuity midwife. The skill accrued by watching and waiting for women
in labour. The clinical and psycho social safety of the relationship
formed. The fact that obstetricians see 200-300 women per year and a
full time midwife 40. The vast difference in the models of care.
Women's rights of informed consent and right of refusal.
Where
have the reproductive rights of women gone? What about the established
legal concepts of right of refusal/informed consent???
Sure I
have the right, but if I exercise it I will be denied a Registered
Midwife. In the U.K, Canada and New Zealand women have the right to
make decisions (as long as they are informed and of sound mind) and a
midwife is still able to attend a woman (on the basis of duty of care).
See all relevant info below and remember we broke a record last time with 2507 submissions. PASS this on, get your partner to write as well and anyone else and let's smash this record by 11 DECEMBER.
Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009
and two related Bills
On
23 November 2009, the Senate again referred the Health Legislation
Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009 and two related
Bills, together with the Government's proposed collaborative
arrangements amendments, to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee
for inquiry and report by 1 February 2010. The Committee has been asked
to consider the impact of the proposed amendments in a number of areas.
The full terms of reference are attached.
The Bills and
amendments circulated may be accessed at the following links, and to
further assist you the Government amendments are also attached.
Health
Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009
<http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr4151%22>
Midwife
Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill 2009
<http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr4153%22>
Midwife
Professional Indemnity (Run-off Cover Support Payment) Bill 2009
<http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr4152%22>
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%...
The
Committee invites you to provide a written submission addressing the
terms of reference, in particular the proposed Government amendments on
collaborative arrangements. Submissions should be lodged by 11 December
2009. The Committee prefers to receive submissions electronically as an
attached document – email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au – otherwise
by fax (02 6277 5829).
The same privilege provisions that applied to
your previous submission are applicable. Information relating to Senate
Committee inquiries, including notes to assist in the preparation of
submissions for a Committee, can be located on the Internet at
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/wit_sub/index.htm
<http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/wit_sub/index.htm>
Date Posted: 3rd of December, 2009
Have Rudd and Roxon sold women’s rights in a dirty deal with the AMA???
Last
week, Health Minister, Nicola Roxon reveled she will amend the
‘Medicare for Midwives’ legislation to require a midwife claiming
Medicare benefits to work with an Obstetrician or GP/Ob. This spells
the certain death of homebirth but also strips the right of midwives to
their rightful practice as health professionals in their own right.
Read On...
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday October 26 2009
Homebirth Awareness Week:
Celebrate or Commiserate? Minister’s Weakness and Bureaucrats ignorance continues
This
week marks Homebirth Awareness week. Homebirth Australia fears that
this time next year Australian women will not have the option of
homebirth...
more »
Virtual Rally Tickets now closed
We
would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have
purchased a virtual rally ticket. The response was amazing. If you
have purchased a virtual rally ticket, you may be contacted by HBA
requesting your send back address. This is only used so we can send you
your virtual rally ticket to you after the Mother of all Rallies in
Canberra. If you have any concerns or questions please don't hesitate
to contact us.
Documentary "Politics of Birth": chance to have your say
A
broadcast documentary is being made about homebirth and the debate
surrounding the proposed legislation and the right of women to choose
how and where they give birth. The film makers are inviting those who
are attending the Canberra rally to have their say. Read more »
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday August 16 2009
Roxon joins mother of birthing battles
THE Rudd Government's threatened ban on home births is moving closer to reality.
Health
Minister Nicola Roxon should be congratulated for offering the patients
of hospital-based midwives access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme. But she stands condemned for denying women the right to
be cared for by a midwife at home.
Read Full Article (http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/roxon-joins-mother-of-birthing-battles-200...) »
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday August 11 2009
Insurance measures could force homebirths underground, Opposition says
HOMEBIRTHS
will be driven underground by Rudd Government moves to force midwives
to be insured. Some 200 midwives could be driven to practice
clandestine homebirthing because they will be denied indemnity
insurance, the Opposition says.
Read Full Article (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25914187-662,00.html) »
NEWS RELEASE
Thursday August 6 2009
Contact: Justine Caines 0408 210 273
2500+ submissions received. A likely Senate record.
Women tell Minister Roxon their rights matter
The
intersection of two pieces of proposed legislation has the ability to
make homebirth midwifery unlawful in Australia. Bills related to
Medicare are under review of the Community Affairs Committee. Public
hearings will be held today on an issue that is shaping up to be the
catalyst of a new wave of feminism.
Read Full Article»
NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday August 4 2009
Contact: Justine Caines 0408 210 273, Fiona Hallinan 0425760888
Health Reform: Rudd and Roxon may want it,
But the Bureaucrats Don’t
Mothers and midwives have gathered today outside Minister Roxon’s
Melbourne electorate office to personalise this campaign. Come and hear
real stories from women encountering the maternity system (Hospital and
home). If we can’t get maternity care right when occupies the greatest
number of hospital beds, there is no way we will achieve overall
reform.” said Ms Caines.
Read Full Article»
NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday June 24 2009
Contact: Justine Caines 0408 210 273
Health Minister Denies Women their basic rights
Homebirth
Australia today slammed the exclusion of homebirth from insurance
schemes for midwives announced by the Health Minister Nicola Roxon in
parliament today.
“Effectively two pieces of legislation will
outlaw midwives providing homebirth care from July 2010” said Justine
Caines, mother of seven and secretary of Homebirth Australia.
“Women
will continue to homebirth, but will now be forced to do so without the
assistance of a qualified professional.” said Ms Caines.
“It is
unacceptable and unsafe to force a woman into a choice that is not
optimal for her, whether that is a hospital birth or a birth at home
without midwifery support. It is absolutely impossible to understand the
government’s position on this, other than to say that they have bowed
to political pressure from medical lobby groups.”
The National
Maternity Service Review received submissions from hundreds of women
wanting access to homebirth services. The vast majority of homebirth
services are provided by private practice midwives. Removing this
option is likely to end access for most women to homebirth.
Ms
Caines called on all ALP members to declare their view on a woman’s
right to self determination of her health care needs. “If the ALP is so
hell bent on preventing women from accessing homebirth as an option I
ask all ALP members to publically state their position on this.
It
appears that having a Health Minister who is a woman, a recent mother,
and a lawyer understanding consumers’ rights, is not proving to be an
advantage for women. Removing women’s rights to the point where we are
back providing care in dark alleys or in back rooms is ridiculous in
2009.”
Interviews/photos with Homebirth mothers and babies please contact
Justine Caines on 0408 210 273
Homebirth - Soon to be illegal?
Since 2001 midwives have been
unable to purchase an indemnity insurance policy. This was due to
global factors with the collapse of the insurance market after September
11 and a landmark obstetric birth injury case proving a payout of $11
million in 2002. Guild insurance was providing indemnity at the time and
they made a straightforward economic decision. With just under 200
privately practising midwives paying approximately $800 per annum, there
was simply not a large enough pool to fund a payout of the magnitude
mentioned above. Medical Practitioners indemnity premiums were
subsidised by the Howard Government and continue with over $900 million
of tax-payers money has been spent to date. Homebirth midwives continue
to be denied professional parity. Women choosing homebirth are treated
as de-facto health consumers and are the only health consumers denied
the protection of practitioner insurance. If as planned homebirth
midwives are unable to practice, women seeking homebirth care will be
unable to access a registered midwife.
The Council of Australian
Governments (COAG) has prepared draft legislation to establish a
National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for all Health
Professionals by July 2010. This body will require evidence of medical
or professional indemnity insurance to secure registration. This
presents a very serious threat to women who want to access homebirth
with a midwife. To date the Government have made it clear that they do
not intend to provide indemnity insurance to private practice homebirth
midwives. As a result these midwives will be unable to register, hence
making it illegal for them to attend homebirths. Homebirth Australia
sees this as a breach of basic human rights and possibly a contravention
of Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW).
PLEASE SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION (CLOSED)
Homebirth Rights Rally:
The
MOTHER all of rallies. Bus loads of women and their families from
across the country are descending on Canberra to fight for our rights to
birth where and with whom we choose.
WHEN: Sept 7th @ 11.30am
WHERE: outside Parliament House, Canberra
You can register your commitment to attend on face book
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1641140582&v=feed&story_fbid=9419...
CAN’T COME?
Be
a ‘virtual rallier’. For every person who is unable to attend we are
organising a virtual rally in conjunction with our ‘live’ rally. Pledge
$25, send us a head shot, your name and location and 25 words or less
that you want the politicians to hear. We will mount your head shot onto
a cardboard pregnant belly with your message, which will be attached to
bamboo and will be placed in the ground outside Parliament House. Your
pledge will go towards the cost of your cut and our continuing campaign.
Buy Virtual Rally Ticket»
