Following a referral from the Health Minister Jill Hennessy, Ten Moons (Martina's Company) is now facing yet another Investigation, this time from the Health Complaints Commisioner.

Jill Hennessy tweeted her interest in this case the other week, after being tagged by Kaz Cooke on Twitter, who implied Ten Moons should ignore not having parental consent for Vitamin K, and tried to shame Ten Moons for their certification in quality management. You can reply to Jill Hennessy's tweet here.

Meanwhile, the second midwife present at the surprise twins' birthday has also been suspended from attending homebirth.

Letters to AHPRA complaining about Martina's suspension are mostly receiving a copy and paste response that doesn't even answer the questions and concerns raised. AHPRA mentions not being able to release information, however surely we have a right to the decision-making process that affects the public?? In particular since AHPRA’s role is to protect the public. We demand transparency!

Please keep emailing AHPRA, asking them:

• Has a decision been made regarding the limitations/parameters of Martina's suspension?
• Can AHPRA identify approximately how long it will take to carry out their investigations and arrive at a decision?
• Will they be contacting the families who have currently hired Martina, to explain what is happening?
• How these families are expected to continue without the maternity care of their choice?

All of the families in Martina's care are now left abandoned, and need to know what to do going forward. Some women are due to give birth any day now, and are left with no one at the last minute, after spending their entire pregnancy under Martina’s safe care. AHPRA's unfortunate decision will result in a number of women choosing to have unassisted births, rather than take up new services with a stranger. AHPRA must be aware they are increasing the rate of unassisted/free births by removing a safe and competent midwife, therefore putting women and babies at risk. Is this something AHPRA even cares about?

Maybe also add to your email that you would appreciate *not receiving a stock standard 'cut and paste' response that doesn't address your valid concerns.

Ten Moons has begun the process of searching for replacement midwives for their birthing clients, but most of them are already fully booked and have different work processes, including the need for scans during pregnancy. We expected as much, but it is still a miserable day for women's right to informed choice.

Do you want to ask the HCC what exactly they are investigating? I sure do! You can contact them on hcc@hcc.vic.gov.au

Keep emailing AHPRA: AHPRAFeedback@ahpra.gov.au

Tweet Health Minister Jill Hennessy: https://twitter.com/JillHennessyMP/status/1054285192813113345?s=20