‘Pregnant women’s choices would be reduced’

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 3

‘Pregnant women’s choices would be reduced’

The Maternity Action Alliance is concerned that pregnant women’s choices will be reduced if the proposal to relocate the Burwood Hospital obstetric unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital goes ahead. An alliance spokeswoman, Ms Alison Locke, said that the alliance approved of most of the redevelopment proposal for Christchurch Women’s except the relocation plan. The proposal, presented to Canterbury Hospital Board members on Wednesday, includes the

development of a new neo-natal unit, ante-natal unit, and expanded gynaecological wards, as well as the relocation of the Burwood unit. “We are worried about the lack of choice,” Ms Locke said. With the closing of the Burwood unit women in Christchurch would be left with Christchurch Women’s Hospital as the only public hospital in which to have a baby. Last year, a Health Department report had shown that smaller maternity units were safer for women with low-risk

pregnancies than larger hospitals, with their greater likelihood of high technology intervention. Ideally women should have the choice of giving birth in small hospitals. The alliance, which comprises the Parents’ Centre, Parents’ Rights, National Organisation for Women, The Health Alternatives for Women, La Leche League, and Home Birth Association, was also disappointed that it had not been given the opportunity to make submissions on the proposal.