With respect, Stretcher Bearer, I think you fail to understand some of the politics behind the decision to make indemnity insurance a requirement to practice as a midwife.
This is correct.
But surely you understand that, without that adequate insurance cover and therefore, under the new legislation, the right to practice, the choice of women in Australia IS limited? What do you think would happen, in 2009, if the last of the southern hemisphere medical insurers withdrew cover for OBs in private practice? Do you think the government would simply say "tough luck, no more private obstetrics?" Do you think obstetricians in private practice would accept that decision?
That is a risk to no one - NO ONE - but the midwife concerned. It does not impact on her practice, or her ability to provide safe and competent care.
Answer me this. Do you stop being a paramedic when you leave your workplace? Are you still a paramedic at home? Do you suddenly switch off your knowledge and skills outside of the workplace because you are no longer covered by insurance?
To suggest that midwives cannot call themselves midwives and acknowledge their years of training simply because outside of the hospital system they are not insured is insulting to midwives.
And another question - if you, as a paramedic, come upon someone in medical distress in public, when you are not on duty, are you ethically bound to offer assistance to the best of your skills and abilities? If so, is that as a paramedic, or as an untrained bystander?
You don't just stop being what you are trained to be because you are not insured.
... the lack of which limits the choice of Australian women who want to have a safe homebirth with a trained practitioner.
I wonder if you could clarify what you mean here? I'm not sure I follow you. Birthing is a collaboration. One which will not be able to happen when one of the people collaborating is risking a $30,000 fine.
Does anyone know the last time a homebirth midwife, in Australia, was succesfully sued by a client? This statement alone is indicative that you share the position of the government - that homebirth is in some way riskier than hospital birth or birth with a private obstetrician, and that therefore midwives need to be prevented from putting themselves at financial risk. That completely ignores that facts that a) independently practicing midwives are happy to take that financial risk because they are passionate about providing Australian women a safer alternative to birthing in hospitals, and b) that there is any increase in risk, when in fact, if appropriate screening and admission criteria are in place, the opposite is true.
And for those who have chosen to make a career out of providing them.
On a personal note, I wish I could be there marching with you all, but with a brand new baby, I just can't. I'll be with you in spirit.
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