22 Nov 2013

Midwives network questions health targets

9:05 am on 22 November 2013

The Maori midwives network Nga Maia is applauding a parliamentary committee report on child well-being - but questions whether some targets will work for Maori.

The health committee is urging the Government to set a national target to ensure most pregnant women receive an antenatal assessment by 10 weeks.

That's one of many recommendations it released in a report on Monday.

Nga Maia's South Island representative Amber Clarke says Maori women are not often seeking care in that time period and making it mandatory won't change the reasons why that's happening.

She says it might be better to ensure that there are better links within vulnerable communities so care is more visible to the women.

Ms Clarke says women should have a choice about seeking care, and says Whanau Ora is a key solution.