Much is said of the importance of mothering and yet the policies regarding support to women and new families does not match the rhetoric. I believe that women and their families must be the central feature of all policy regarding maternity health care. This is not currently the case.
I do not support a maternity system where women are required to seek permission for their care. As a mother I know women have the very best interests of their baby at heart. I support a maternity system that promotes health professionals working together providing high quality services for all Australian women and their families.
I will protect women’s right to choice.
If elected, I will work to:
remove the new regulations giving doctor’s the right to veto a woman’s decision
ensure that womens’ rights to informed consent (including the right of refusal) will be expressly recognised in all codes, guidelines and frameworks relating to maternity care
ensure that privately practising midwives have visiting rights in hospitals across the state.
a commitment to a long-term solution for women to continue to have access to midwife-attended homebirth
Michelle speaking at the National Day of Action - Our Bodies, Our Babies, Our Right to Decide - Gosford - February 18 2010