RE: [ozmidwifery] Make the PM support NMAP

[Vicki Chan]

Title: Message

I've had a lot of fun emailing a few federal but heaps of Queensland pollies...(nothing else to do...lol...yawn) making each one pertinent to the portfolio...eg...for the police minister...   I am writing to ask for your support of the National Maternity Action Plan which will be released shortly. As a midwife for eighteen years and a mother of four, I have witnessed the enormous physical and emotional costs to mothers and babies as well as huge financial cost to our health budget in a less than satisfactory maternity care system.   There are many studies that link adverse perinatal experiences with those experienced by people in later life.For example, adult violence, drug addiction, and suicide have been linked with birth complications and procedures.   In response to the ever rising intervention rates in childbirth and a growing dissatisfaction amongst women, the NMAP offers solutions in line with International Best Practice Standards. Those countries which have a midwifery-led maternity care system are the same countries with the lowest rates of intervention and boast the lowest rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity.   Birth Reform is urgently needed in this state.   The very least Queensland women should expect is the choice! Every woman deserves the right to continuity of care with a known midwife. Please support the National Maternity Action Plan.   www.maternitycoalition.org.au     adding this for the minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs...   In New Zealand, where the lead maternity provider is chosen by the women, most maternity care is given by midwives. It is important to note that the Maori women have wholeheatedly taken up this option and now boast a perinatal mortality that is lower than the white population.   I have spoken to many aboriginal women over the years (particularly when I attended a birth at a woman's own home in New Mapoon on the tip of Cape York) and they report great dissatisfaction with the present system. A midwifery-led maternity care system, in cooperation with traditional birth attendants, in collaboration with a culturally appropriate, supportive medical team...would serve our indigenous women well.      Gotta get some sleep...   Cheers Vicki -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of alastair tawns Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 1:49 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Make the PM support NMAP Dear Denise , I have already e-mailed all the members of the house of representatives and senators. In addition I have written to all members of relevant committees ...health, women's issues etc. As for JH , the best way to e-mail him is as you have done ..I think (!) i.e. via www.pm.gov.au  It would be great if folk did e-mail as many ministers as they feel able just to keep the issue in the consciousness. Re getting any money , I honestly think our best bet would be from the private health funds...think of all the money they would be saved if they weren't shelling out for all these unnecessary interventions ! cheers Mel ----- Original Message ----- From: Denise Hynd To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 8:59 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Make the PM support NMAP Dear All Does any one have an e-mail address for John Howard?   We need to bombard him, SC, ML & BB with requests to support !!  I have sent the e-mail below via his site feedback boxes at http://www.pm.gov.au/your_feedback/feedback.htm   and the Copies to meg lees [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>    Simon Crean [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>   and bob Brown [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>   at their e-mail addresses as above     Subject: Support women's Birth Choices Dear John Howard I commend your public verbal and financial support of women's right to choices regarding career and family options (Sydney Morning Herald; 7th September 2002).   Now it is time to give financial support to the consumer driven National Maternity Action Plan (www.communitymidwifery.iinet.net.au/nmapcampaign) to give all women access to positive, cost effective choices in birthing which will benefit families! Yours sincerely Denise Hynd   CC Simon Crean, Meg Lees, Bob Brown