Overview
- RANZCOG and the Australian College of Midwives wrote to federal, state and territory health ministers on Monday seeking harmonised laws that restrict labour and birth management to registered practitioners.
- The colleges want jurisdictions to adopt South Australia’s model, which bars unregistered workers from providing clinical care during labour, birth and placenta delivery.
- South Australia’s law carries penalties of up to $30,000 in fines and up to 12 months’ imprisonment for performing restricted birthing practices.
- The appeal follows the September death of Melbourne influencer Stacey Hatfield after a home freebirth, with her baby surviving.
- Victoria’s Health Complaints Commissioner has restricted influencer-doula Emily Lal from promoting advice pending an investigation into alleged participation in risky home births.