Birthing - pregnancy, birth and immediately after birth - is a major event in the life of women and their families.
During the review there has been extensive consultation with women. Without their input this review could not have been so comprehensive.
Birthing services currently available to women in the Northern Territory have been assessed and evaluated. Gaps and deficiencies in service provision have been identified and alternative means of providing services have been examined.
As a result of this process, recommendations have been developed that are aimed at meeting the identified needs of mothers and babies, providing a high standard of care and providing a greater range of choice in all areas of birthing for all women.
These recommendations also address the issue of the provision of birthing services in the most cost effective manner and are in keeping with the objectives of the Commonwealth Alternative Birthing Services Program.