1 Apr 2021

Midwives want change from ACC over birth tears

From Morning Report, 7:13 am on 1 April 2021

Midwives are calling on ACC to reconsider a contentious adjustment regarding cover for painful perineal tears 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, Michelle Wise, has labelled it too restrictive, and now the College of Midwives says ACC must review its approach.

Alison Eddy is the college's chief executive.

ACC declined an invitation to be interviewed on Morning Report on Thursday.