Tina said:
 
"The College needs funds to invest in a good lawyer who can research these issues from the point
of law and justice, and funds to undertake through risk analysis of providing
midwifery care. How can the College continue to argue for what is right and
just - without the evidence to support it. Insurance companies would find it
difficult to refuse policy applications or charge outrageous premiums, if the
evidence was there in black and white to sink their arguments that midwifery
is "a highly litigious area". The College should be demanding proof of that
statement by David Brown, general manager of Guild Insurance and if not
provided, then suing for defamation of the midwifery profession
."
 
Well said, Tina.  I attended an ACMI organised workshop called "Exploring Legal Issues" just last week, and the clear message was that there have been very few actual cases of individual midwives being sued over bad outcomes.  I agree - lets see the "evidence" that independent midwives are a risky bunch to insure.  More likely it's not an insurance area that is lucrative for the underwriters.  As long as birth is perceived as inherently dangerous, home birth will be perceived as recklessly dangerous.  Education is the key.  Regards, Lois
 

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