Hi, I sit here absolutely horrified and disgusted that this is where we have come to in a so-called civilised country. I'm doubly affected because I gave birth to a double footlings breech baby at home, well supported and very mindfully, some 20 years ago. I know that breech in most cases is only a variation of normal, not an abnormality. I am watching around me as most of the breech women have c/sections - only the lucky ones who go unnoticed or have organised a homebirth are birthing breech normally. This truly is an absolute violation of our rights as humans, but more so a shocking comment on society and its judgements in that NOONE in that hospital environment would support the couple to know their legal rights. I can only hope that this story reaches every newspaper and television station and that those who orchestrated this obscenity are taken publicly to the cleaners. How can we help?
Sue > Maureen, > > I am not sure what language the family primarily speak, but firstly they > would need the offer of an interpreter, preferably from a migrant resource > legal centre and legal advise. Above all, if the family agree ..... there > should be an FOI request for all documentation put in with the hospital/s > asap - as this usually takes up to 45- 60 days. If there is a patient > advocate employed at the hospital/s, they are usually ''on the ball' and can > also provide support. > > > I am not sure what state you are in but... > there is for legal support eg: Legal Aid but also places like "Public First" > and "Liberty Victoria" - who have excellent lawyers, barristers (QC's) who > would be likely to agree to represent the family. In legal terms however, it > appears there are two cases here, with both the mother and the father. > > > Perhaps too, if the family consent to this.....Maternity Coalition or > another consumer rep organisation could lobby the Health Minister of the > state/territory you are from and some clear thinking senators. If in NSW I > could recommend that you consider contacting the office of Kerry Nettle > (Greens) immediately, and speak with her adviser Jon Edwards. > > > Finally, the family should also be advised that the relevant Health Care > Complaints body of the state/territory they live, the medical practitioners > board etc etc, are also appropriate avenues to appeal to. > > > Well the hospital should have heard the word "assault" by now and be shaking > in their boots. But be aware this is the classic time when documentation > can be destroyed, changed etc. Thank goodness, you were able to educate > some one there. > > I would be happy to provide contacts for any of the above mentioned if that > is helpful to the family involved. Please feel free to email me directly. > > Kind Regards, > > Sally-Anne Brown > Apollo Bay, Victoria. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
