Maternity groups back choice

Two maternity associations are refusing to take a stand for Covid-19 vaccinations and are instead promoting ‘‘selfish’’ messaging around ‘‘bodily autonomy’’.

Maternity Services Consumer Council (MSCC) and Homebirth Aotearoa have released statements in response to the Government mandating vaccinations for high-risk healthcare workers earlier this month.

The MSCC statement, posted last week on social media, said it was ‘‘saddened’’ that midwives were being denied the right of informed choice in the mandate.

‘‘We stand by our midwives whatever personal health choices they make,’’ it said.

Homebirth Aotearoa’s statement was more nuanced. It said it discussed the impact Covid-19 could have on home birth, including the mandate on health care professionals.

‘‘We discussed the right to informed decision-making and bodily autonomy. We discussed a sense of responsibility, to protect the vulnerable in our communities.

‘‘We discussed the implications of some midwives leaving, in a profession that is already so stretched,’’ it said.

Both groups were contacted for comment.

Vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris said pregnant women were at high risk of complications and of losing their baby should they get Covid-19. ‘‘I think it is a very selfish position to take if you are not taking all precautions to keep these women safe.’’

Statistics from the United Kingdom show nearly 20 per cent of the most critically ill Covid patients are unvaccinated pregnant people.

More than five pregnant women in New Zealand have already landed in Auckland hospitals with Covid-19 in this year’s outbreak, a disproportionately high number, Petousis-Harris said.

The statements from the maternity groups could also confuse pregnant people who might be unsure about the vaccine, despite clear evidence it was safe at any stage of pregnancy, she said.

Ten Taranaki midwives have said they would not have a Covid-19 vaccine and some Auckland midwives have expressed concern over the mandate.

Waitemata¯ obstetric anaesthetist Dr Morgan Edwards said MSCC had been spreading ‘‘blatant misinformation’’ for a long time, so its statement was not surprising. Homebirth Aotearoa’s statement was ‘‘very disappointing’’ but seemed more political, she said.

Auckland obstetrician Michelle Wise said midwives had a professional duty of care to their patients, which meant getting vaccinated.

‘‘I think it is a very selfish position to take if you are not taking all precautions to keep these women safe.’’

Helen Petousis-Harris

Vaccinologist