AMA submission to the Participating Midwife Reference Group
In May 2019, the AMA provided feedback on the report from the MBS Review Participating Midwife Reference Group.
The AMA supports women’s informed choice and believes that a woman has the right to choose and access the model of care that is best for her health needs. The provision of antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care by trained and qualified registered midwives is an important component of care options for Australian women.
However, the AMA strongly asserts that a medical practitioner should always be involved in antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care, either in a consultative or supervisory role. This is essential, not only to ensure effective risk assessment and management, but so that if complications do occur, the medical practitioner who is required to step in has prior personal knowledge of the mother and her needs.
