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.

When national registration for health professionals commences in July next year, every practitioner will need to provide evidence of indemnity insurance prior to registration. Despite $1 billion dollars in premium support for medical professionals, Minister Roxon has to not found a solution for homebirth midwives.”

“Homebirth Australia believes the Senate Committee has received 1800 submissions, perhaps the largest number ever received, regardless a very large number said Justine Caines, Secretary of Homebirth Australia and mother of seven home born children.”

“Women’s rights matter. I hope Nicola Roxon puts the rights of Australian women ahead of the vested interests of medical lobby groups.  400 women protested outside the Minister’s electorate office yesterday.”

“By making homebirth midwifery illegal, Australia would be out of step with other countries such as Canada, New Zealand the U.K and The Netherlands, where women can access midwifery care and choose to give birth at home.”

“Homebirth midwifery is unlawful in the US state of Alabama, where capital punishment still exists. I find it extraordinary that Nicola Roxon is leading women to such a dark place, where a fundamental right to make health care choices is denied.”

“There is a solution, it is safe and sustainable and honours women’s rights.  The Australian Medical Association may not support it, but who is Nicola Roxon serving?”

Homebirth Australia has sought a personal meeting with Minister Roxon, this has been denied, we suggested a roundtable to help provide vital support to the Department of Health and the Minister’s office several months ago, this also was disregarded.

“It is essential that Nicola Roxon listen to the women and midwives who have chosen homebirth. We hope she will accept our offer of support in good faith.” said Ms Caines

“Maternity care is the largest volume area of health. There has been a growth in women seeking homebirth care, sadly many women are refugees of the dysfunctional and sometimes dangerous hospital system. If Rudd and Roxon fail to reform maternity care how can we have faith that they will achieve broader healthcare reform.”