Senator Joyce called for a review as to whether Midwives should have a more prominent role in rural health.

“With the reduction in the number of doctors in rural areas, full qualified midwives may provide a welcome relief to the issue concerning anti-natal care and delivery,” Senator Joyce said.

“It would be strongly regulated and would not allow the birth of children to be put at risk.

“Babies are currently being delivered by midwives, with midwife care accounting for around 80% of women with normal pregnancies.

“An inquiry may discover a wider application for the use of midwives in the country,” Senator Joyce said.

Ends