1 minute read
THREE DECADES OF AUTONOMY
CELEBRATING THE REBIRTH OF MIDWIFERY IN NEW ZEALAND
Three decades ago, on 22 August 1990, the Nurses Amendment Act 1990 became law enabling midwives in New Zealand to provide care to a woman through pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, on their own responsibility.
MARIA SCOTT COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR
Midwives had seen their autonomy gradually eroded over several decades until the Nurses Act 1977 required medical practitioners to take responsibility for the care of women during pregnancy and birth. Women became increasingly unhappy with a maternity system that they felt was regimented and offered little or no choice over how or where they were giving birth. Many midwives were also dismayed at a system they felt was not supporting women well.
Midwives and women campaigned together for change and Helen Clark, Minister of Health from January 1989 to November 1990 was convinced by their arguments. She introduced the Nurses
Amendment Bill to Parliament in November 1989 and it became law the following year. The legislation restored autonomy to midwifery and paved the way for dedicated direct-entry degree programmes to educate midwives, replacing the former system where midwifery was an add-on to a three year nursing qualification.
Karen Guilliland, founding chief executive officer of the New Zealand College of Midwives and Sally Pairman, writing in Women’s Business, The story of the New Zealand College of Midwives 1986-2010, said that the Nurses Amendment Act was “a testament to Helen Clark’s understanding of the power of primary health care and self-determination within health”.
Writing to the College to confirm the passing of the legislation Helen Clark said: “I acknowledge that legislative change on its own does not necessarily bring about change. What is also required is a change in attitude on the part of health consumers and other health professionals and a willingness on the part of area health boards [predecessors to district health boards] to explore new ways of delivering services.
“I believe these changes will have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of many New Zealanders, particularly women and their children. I look forward to seeing these developments.” square
