More than 100 people turned up to support homebirth and private midwives at the Daylesford Market on Sunday, 22 March.

Of them, 23 were children who had been born at home within the shire.

The event was called in response to the recent Maternity Services Review, which proposes changes that could make it illegal for midwives to attend homebirth by mid-2010. Event organiser Jen Bray said she was delighted with the turnout.

"This shows that our community supports birth choices for women," said Ms Bray.

"We want the government to recognise that women must be able to choose the birth option that best meets their needs, whether that be a caesarean in a major hospital, a home birth with an independent midwife or anything in between.

"We are calling on the federal health minister Nicola Roxon to ensure that changes introduced following the review do not jeopardise homebirth or the practice of private midwives."

Co-organiser Jacinta Saunders said the MSR recommendations violated the World Health Organisation's Fortelesa Declaration, in particular, article one that states: "The whole community should be informed about the various procedures in birth care, to enable each woman to choose the type of birth care she prefers."

"For many women, homebirth is currently a safe option that provides continuity of midwifery care in the comfort of their own homes," Ms Saunders said.

The MSR proposes federal support for Medicare and indemnity insurance for midwives, but only those working in non-homebirth practice.

Ms Saunders is urging people to respond quickly to the MRS.

"Write to Catherine King and the health minister, Nicola Roxon, and sign the online petition to voice your opposition to these changes before April 1."

Contact: Daylesford Choices for Childbirth group, email:

bray_jen@hotmail.com