Cooperative approach to homebirth essential: Greens

Collaborative and integrated model of practice is necessary.

The Australian Greens are calling for a more unified approach to make homebirths a suitable option for Australian mothers.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens health spokesperson, said homebirth was a popular option in many countries, including the UK, but that Australia was experiencing ongoing division over the issue.

“In other countries, medical practitioners are willing to work with each other, delivering better choice and better health outcomes for families,” Siewert.

“As it stands, we have one side attacking the other, with no room for collaboration, which once again marginalises the patient.

“Our maternity care system should support parents to make informed choices and enable a smooth and timely transition to higher levels of care as the need arises.”

The Greens believe that obstetricians and gynaecologists should be doing more to make homebirth a viable option, rather than hoping that if it is attacked, the option will go away, Siewert said.

“Not only do the Greens think a more collaborative and integrated model of practice is possible – it is absolutely necessary.”