Giving Birth at home was both relaxed and empowering. The close bond our son shares with his sister after witnessing and participating in her birth will last a lifetime.
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Will Women’s issues be the election slow burner? First of many electorate protests in Macquarie – the most marginal
NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Contact: Justine Caines 0408210273
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.
“Maternity services are not designed around the needs of families, or alarmingly safety. If they were we would have seen a midwifery unit established in Katoomba long ago rather than unit closures.” said Ms Caines
“Homebirth is a popular option across the Blue Mountains. Local women choose it to avoid medical interventions and for the 1 to 1 care provided by midwives. Changes in midwifery registration has put the midwives providing private homebirth care in risk of unlawful practice.” said Ms Caines.
“These changes come into force on July 1 and yet local women are still unaware if they will be legally able to obtain a registered midwife.” said Ms Caines
Springwood Mum of 2 Ria Hamblett has had 2 unsatisfactory hospital experiences. At this stage both Ria and her midwife are unsure if homebirth will be lawful when she is due to give birth in August. She says
“There’s is a lot of talk about ‘women's choice’ but I am appalled to think that women will be denied the choice of birthing at home with a professional midwife. I'm all for informed decision making, get the facts and then make your choice, but to remove the option of legally birthing at home is outrageous and unacceptable in this day and age.”
“Women from across Australia are united that their rights are not negotiable, we believe women will protest in electorates in every pocket of the country. The Government is not listening to women and they need to start.” said Jo Hunter local Mum and newly graduated midwife.
Women will gather with their stories and demands reminding Minister Plibersek of her obligation to Australian women.
Women will assemble from 11.30am, Minister Plibersek and Macquarie ALP Candidate, Susan Templeman will arrive for a 12 noon lunch at Springwood Sports Club,
83 Macquarie Rd, Springwood
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