The federal government's decision to support professional indemnity insurance for private practice midwives could help those offering homebirth services down the track, Health Minister Nicola Roxon says.
Labor will subsidise the insurance of private midwives from today, and expectant mothers will have the cost of midwifery services covered by Medicare from November 1.
Despite the insurance not covering homebirths, Ms Roxon said the move is a significant step forward.
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"I don't think it should be under-valued in terms of the change that it can bring about in the future," she told ABC Radio.
"We are happy to continue to work with the midwives who want to provide homebirthing services."
