Pregnant Women In For New Year Shock - Warn Specialists

Pregnant women in for a New Year shock - warn specialist
obstetricians and gynaecologists

Right now, thousands of expectant mothers approaching mid pregnancy, sharing their news with family and friends and recovering from the cost of Christmas, are about to be hit with an expensive surprise come January 01.

Australian families who are being attended to by a specialist obstetrician during pregnancy will be nearly $1000 worse off on average next year when the Government's budget cuts to the obstetric safety net takes effect.

Australia's peak group of specialist obstetricians say they are worried that women and their families are not fully aware of the Government's decision to ind back safety net rebates for private obstetric services - a decision that will significantly affect affordability for all Australian women seeking care within the private health sector.

Dr Hilary Joyce, President of the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NASOG), is concerned many families will not be able to afford the additional out-of-pocket costs caused by the budget cuts. Dr Joyce said she wants to work with the Federal Government early next year to find an alternative solution to lessen the financial impact on mothers-to-be.

"Many pregnant women require specialist care, and have a reasonable expectation in accessing this service that their choice will remain affordable. Many families do not realise what will happen to the cost of obstetric care come January 01 and so may not be financially prepared for it so close to Christmas," Dr Joyce said.

"From January 1, many Australian families will be hit with around $1000 more for specialist antenatal care, which will force some mothers-to-be into the already overwhelmed public hospital system, and that simply is not good
enough.

I know our Minister for Health and Ageing cares about pregnant women and their babies. I believe we have a shared interest in ensuring all families have choice and access when it comes to who cares for them during pregnancy."

Dr Joyce said it was worth remembering that the Government does not pay doctors the Government provides rebates to patients so when they cut rebates, they impact on families directly.

"We are looking forward to working with Minister Nicola Roxon to find a better way to save money for taxpayers without hurting Australian women creating families."

For media inquiries:
Dr Hilary Joyce
President of NASOG 0418 600 858
NB: Dr Joyce may be with patients at times during the day

Ms Elizabeth Flaherty
0414 552 474

About NASOG: The National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NASOG) is a not for profit professional association representing specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists, the leading providers of specialist women's health services. Australia is recognised as one of the safest countries in the world to give birth or to be born. NASOG strongly endorses our collaborative, proactive model of obstetric and midwifery care for all women giving birth in Australia. The safety of this existing model of care is confirmed by research from Australia and around the world. www.nasog.com.au

SOURCE: National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists