FOR many the argument about whether women should be allowed to birth children at home is not about safety or litigation rather it is about the right to choose.
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It is about whether all Australian women have the autonomy to make their own choices about how they will give birth, a fundamental choice about a fundamental life experience.
Home births are common in countries such as New Zealand and the Netherlands but rare in Australia because most private health insurers will not cover it and it is not covered by Medicare so it can be prohibitively expensive.
Women chose to give birth at home out of a desire to give birth in a familiar, relaxing environment.
Women who give birth in hospitals are encouraged to stay at home as long as possible for that very reason.
So it is not too far of a stretch to argue that giving birth at home is beneficial to the mother and child because the mother is calm and in a comfortable environment.
But even before the health reforms, five years ago, which did not include cover for births outside clinical settings, the rate of home births in Australia was low.
About 0.22 per cent of births in Australia, were home births.
Even in New Zealand, where taxpayers fund home births, the rate is only 2.7 per cent.
Moreover the rate was declining rapidly in Australia even in the 1990s, when home birth midwife insurance was available.
No one is stopping Australian women who want home births from choosing them.
But when stacked up next to the hospital options it is hard to see how home births could be as safe.
Obstetricians are readily available for emergency interventions, the latest in technology is available to monitor mother and baby and an operating theatre is around the corner if need be, in a hospital.
Being in a familiar environment is important but being close to emergency help is essential.