Posted as “SphericalThinker” to ABC Q&A, 4/8/2009
Commenting on “Home Births”
Commenting on “Home Births”
At present, there are enough mid-wives to go round delivering babies because of economy of scale - birth at hospital.
If home birth becomes a common practice, there will be shortage of qualified mid-wives, not dissimilar to other trade / profession. Unqualified, and unethical practitioners will move in to take advantage of the uninformed and inexperienced.
There is also another legal implication. Illegal baby trade may flourish, because documents can be falsified regarding who the real parents are.
As demand of home births increases, the health insurance will likely to cover home birth. Based on risk and cost effectiveness factors, I can also foresee that the health insurance premium will increase for families or singles of child bearing age.
If home birth becomes a common practice, there will be shortage of qualified mid-wives, not dissimilar to other trade / profession. Unqualified, and unethical practitioners will move in to take advantage of the uninformed and inexperienced.
There is also another legal implication. Illegal baby trade may flourish, because documents can be falsified regarding who the real parents are.
As demand of home births increases, the health insurance will likely to cover home birth. Based on risk and cost effectiveness factors, I can also foresee that the health insurance premium will increase for families or singles of child bearing age.