Over the past few days Women across Western Australia have been advised about the restrictions on maternity care in Western Australia. 

Women are being told their partner may not be able to support them through birth.

Women are being punished for their families personal health choice.
 
It is a basic human right and a World Health Organisation recommendation that all women have the option to have a chosen companion/s and support person/s present with them during their labour, birth, and postpartum period.  It is also a WHO guideline that the women’s partner or support person be welcomed to attend antenatal care with the woman to encourage shared decision making, and health for mother and newborn.

Women are afraid and unsupported leaving them in a vulnerable and emotional state.

The current restrictions are damaging women during what should be a beautiful transition in their lives. Women are stressed, anxious, worried, and fearful about what may happen during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.   

Research shows that companionship during labour and childbirth reduces instrumental vaginal birth, reduces the instance of postpartum depression, reduces the length of labour, and increases the incidence of spontaneous vaginal birth, having a companion during labour and birth reduces the incidence of caesarean section by 25% and the use of pain relief by 10%.

As a concerned member of society, I am requesting the following

Birthing partners to not be considered “visitors” and have zero restrictions regardless of vaccine status.

By enforcing birth partners to be vaccinated, many women are considering free birthing to be able to have their birthing partner by their side.

WA restrictions are causing unnecessary risk and harm to Women and newborns across the state.