25 February 2019
You may be aware of the following stories in the news over the last few days.
All robust research is valid and welcomed by the New Zealand College of Midwives, especially if it assists in improving and developing maternity services for the benefit of women and their babies.
It is not unusual nor exceptional for the College and Ministry to discuss issues regarding research.
In late 2015, we questioned research undertaken by Bev Lawton. We believed the research was clearly flawed, and unless questioned, would wrongly and unnecessarily cause concern amongst women and the wider public. Our concerns were subsequently confirmed by the results of further research commissioned by the Ministry, and which came about from our discussions with them.
It is part of our role as the College of Midwives, to constructively critique research. We have always done this and will continue to do so. Our intention is never to limit or stop healthy debate which is why we continue to respond to reporters’ questions and invitations to be included in stories.
The New Zealand College of Midwives and our members have one focus – achieving and maintaining the very best outcomes for our mothers and babies. It’s as simple as that.
1 https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/assets/PMMRC/Publications/12th-PMMRC-report-final.pdf