03/11/2024
Almost can’t believe it but very very glad for those who spent their time writing letters and signing petitions!
Today, one of the biggest (and fastest) wins we could have possibly imagined has happened for homebirth families and midwives.
This major milestone simply wouldn’t have been possible without the fierce dedication and advocacy of mothers, midwives, and supporters of homebirth! 💪❤️ 6,000 women filled out surveys, more than 1200 sent emails to their local member of parliament and many of you met with your MPs.
Less than five months ago we came together to stop the Government from putting restrictions on where women choose to birth by excluding women. Unfolding before our eyes we saw a pathway where only ‘low-risk’ women would be able to birth at home with an endorsed midwife.
Today, the government has announced a completely new approach to how midwives will be insured when they support a woman during birth.
They have abandoned the "low-risk" definitions to a framework that truly respects midwives' clinical judgment. Now, intrapartum homebirth services will be covered as long as they comply with the NMBA’s Safety and Quality Guidelines (SQG) – a huge win for safe, accessible, and empowered birthing options! 🌈🏠
Whilst we pinch ourselves, we know the work is not finished and that as always, we still need to be watchful to protect women’s birth choices.
This huge win reflects the power of our collective voices, highlighting how people power can shift the course of policy and make real change for families and providers. 🗣️💬 We spoke and the Government listened - this is truly woman-centered care in action.
Thank you to all who raised their voices – the future of homebirth just got a whole lot brighter! ✨
