The providers of insurance withdrew from the Australian market about 2 years ago because they said it was too small to support a birth-related pay out. Most homebirth (aka independent) midwives are working without this, although it is illegal in some states.

This is only part of our problem though, we have a system that doesn't support (and in some places like here in Queensland state works against) independent midwives. We just had a protest last week at the Queensland nurses council as they have deregistered or bullied all of our midwives out of practice except one.

You can get more info about Australia at the Maternity Coalition website www.maternitycoalition.org.au including our document promoting midwifery care for all, the National Maternity Action Plan. Check out the press releases as well. Some states are introducing midwifery led care in hospitals and homebirth options. In Queensland we have had a very positive report on maternity care with women-friendly recommendations which will be implemented eventually.

Our hospital system is somewhat between UK and US, we have only midwives working in labour wards (although there are moves to bring in non-midwife nurses which we are fighting) but they don't have a lot of autonomy, have to go along with what the doctors say.

Dr Sarah J. Buckley
GP/family physician
www.sarahjbuckley.com
Author of Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: The wisdom and science of gentle choices in pregnancy, birth, and parenting