Midwifery Insurance

[Roslyn Donnellan - Fernandez]

News Release from Sandra Kanck's Office 12/7/01   DEMOCRATS DELIVER SOLUTION TO MIDWIFERY CRISIS   The Australian Democrats are calling on the State government to provide indemnity insurance to SA midwives to protect the rights and choices of SA birthing women.   "The recent decision by Guild Insurance to stop providing insurance cover for midwives has serious implications for the profession not to mention the health and safety of mothers and babies," says Sandra Kanck, Democrat Health spokesperson.   "Birthing women who have chosen a continuity of care model couls now be left out in the cold with their midwife unable to care for them when they deliver their baby at home or in hospital, or in a birthing centre.   "It is also a blow to the profession which was offering women choices outside the current medical based model.   "The Liberal Government which provided an indemnity insurance scheme for doctors to maintain their practice in rural and regional areas can offer the same cover for South Australian midwives.   "Dean Brown has advocated community midwifery for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital so it is now time for him to put his money where his mouth is.   "The Democrats once again call for the capping of medical malpractice payouts as a solution to easing the crisis in medical health services across the state.   "A capping of payouts will reduce insurance premiums making insurance affordable for all health practitioners.   "This is an opportunity for the government to recognise midwifery for what it is: the best form of care for birthing women and their babies."   Media contact: Sandra Kanck 8336 4114 or 8237 9289                   or: Roz Donnellan - Fernandez (Midwife) 041 785 1883