SA plans to stamp out home birth 'shonks'
Unregistered midwives assisting in deliveries in South Australia will soon face hefty fines or up to a year in prison.
Health Minister Jack Snelling said he wants to stop the ‘shonks’, especially in home births.
The move is in line with recommendations from a coronial inquest in 2012 which looked into the deaths of three babies during home births.
The state government said it is not against women having babies at home, as long as deliveries are conducted by trained practitioners under strict conditions.
“It’s aimed specifically at the shonks who offer their services as a midwife,” Mr Snelling said.
He said the law does provide protection for those who may be the only assistance for pregnant women in an emergency.
“Police, ambulance officers, even taxi drivers will be protected, obviously in an emergency situation,” he said.
Anyone caught flouting the law could face up to a year in jail or a $30,000 fine.
Some home birth advocates fear the approach does not answer all the concerns, but said it is a good start.
“It is just making sure there aren’t any charlatans out there practicing where they shouldn’t be,” home birth advocate Helen Hriskin said.
“Women really want the best care.”
The government said it would have preferred a national approach, but other states would not come on board.
The new laws are expected to be passed and in effect by the end of 2013.
