Government inaction and insurance are two roadblocks in the way of private practice midwives, writes Joy Johnston.

On May 10 an Australian Greens senator, Lee Rhiannon, drew attention to serious obstructions to maternity reform when announcing the passage in the Senate of a motion calling for immediate action on the obstacles facing privately practising midwives. "Roadblocks frustrating women's right to choose a range of birthing arrangements need clearing … It is time governments across Australia joined together to enable midwives to properly do their work," Rhiannon said. Midwives who practise independently, working privately with women in our communities rather than being employed by hospitals, are...