> It also occurred to me that if we want a number to take to the powers that > be (ie government) for cost saving do we need to look more specifically at > birth costs through the public health system? I realise that the costs of > childbirth affect us indirectly by affecting private insurance premiums, but > does the govt contribute anything to these costs? And how does the C/Section > and intervention rate in the private sector compare to the public sector? > > Kirsten
Kirsten In the ACT we have a breakdown of what happens at each institution, so we are aware of the interventions at public and private facilities. I'm pretty sure the NSW Mother's and Babies report does the same thing. If you are elsewhere check out your state perinatal report. For an overall picture Sally Tracy's paper (The Chances of Normal Birth, The Cascade of Intervention) is a great basis to argue from 170,000 (or so) births that were screened to take out any abnormal conditions, age sensitive etc etc and they still found the same type of women in private facilities were far more likely to have intervention. This article puts a strong case, and Sally is soon to release a paper that costs this very intervention!! You beauty. Ist paper is available on Ace Graphics site www.birthinternational.com In birthing solidarity Justine Caines Maternity Coalition ACT Branch -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
