A medical specialist says some people are forced to wait far longer than they should for treatment for painful tears sustained during childbirth.
Perineal tears are the most common type of birth injury, but ACC coverage for them has fallen since the agency realised its former policy was more generous than legally required.
An obstetrician and senior lecturer at Auckland Univerity, Michelle Wise, says serious tears can be extremely painful, and more must be done to help those affected by the tears.
Dr Wise spoke to Susie Ferguson.
