The Day Independent Midwifery Died

It is a very sad day for women, babies and families in Australia. The rich and powerful obstetric lobby has had another victory and turned the powers that be in this country have turned a blind eye to the medical evidence that homebirth is safe. The Senate has recommended that the health practitioner bills 2009 be passed. This is the bill which gives doctors veto power over midwives, enabling doctors to determine who can and can't have a homebirth. For more about this bill see here.

From now on Australian women who want the independent midwifery model of care during pregnancy and birth will have to board an international flight. This island belongs to obstetricians.

For more about the Senate report see here.