The uncertain future of home births in Australia
Australian women opting for a homebirth may soon have to do so unassisted, as legislation granting midwives exemption from having insurance cover is set to expire in 2019.
The exemption law has been in place since 2010, but a resolution on insurance cover for private midwives is yet to be reached by health bodies and the government.
If new insurance legislation isn’t finalised soon private midwives will no longer be able to assist in home birth for fear of losing their registration licence or facing possible gaol time.
2Ser producer Isobel Cootes spoke to UWS Midwifery Professor Hannah Dahlen and UTS Midwifery Professor Maralyn Foureur on why pregnant women may soon be forced to turn to unregulated birth workers or free birthing options if midwives can no longer assist them.
