The care needed during pregnancy and childbirth is free. This covers everything from the diagnosis of pregnancy to pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby. You can choose to have your baby at home, although most babies are born in hospital. There is no charge for hospital stays, which generally last from two to five days. Women who have miscarriages are also cared for without charge. Approved abortions are free.
Midwives
Most women are cared for throughout their pregnancy and at the birth by an independent midwife, though some women choose a local maternity hospital, or a GP who provides maternity care. If women need specialist care they can choose to be referred to a free hospital clinic or to a private specialist.
Specialist care
Should your family doctor, or a midwife, refer you to specialist services within the public system, these will be provided free of charge.
If you choose a private specialist for your maternity care, you will have to pay all fees.
Further information is available from any GP or Midwifery Centre in The Telephone Book under 'Registered Medical Practitioners & Medical Centres'. A Maternity Helpline is also available, call toll free: 0800 686 223 (0800 MUM2BE).
Family Planning
It is common for Family Planning Services to be provided by GPs before pregnancy and by midwives after the birth of the child. Most towns also have Family Planning Association clinics which provide advice to single and married people, regardless of whether they are parents or not. The Government helps with the costs of these services which are provided free of charge to people under 22 years and at the low cost of $15 to holders of Community Services Cards.
