Growing calls for regulation after high-profile deaths
Australian health authorities are considering a crackdown on doulas and other unregulated birth workers following a string of tragic deaths among mothers and babies during or after labor. Peak medical bodies have been vocal about the need for clearer standards, informed consent, and safer birth practices as part of a broader effort to reduce preventable harm in childbirth.
The role of doulas vs. regulated midwifery care
Doulas provide non-medical support—emotional, informational, and practical—throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Critics argue that the lack of formal regulation can lead to inconsistent safety standards, conflicting advice with medical teams, and variability in emergency response capabilities. Proponents, however, emphasize that doulas fill a valuable gap by offering continuous presence and support that can reduce anxiety and improve maternal satisfaction.
What the proposed regulations could involve
Officials are considering measures such as mandatory registration for birth workers, standardized training curricula, and clear scope-of-practice guidelines. Potential requirements include:
- Background checks and professional indemnity insurance
- Evidence-based training on recognizing obstetric emergencies
- Clear referral pathways to licensed midwives and medical teams
- Transparent information about limits of non-medical support
Why regulation is suddenly a top priority
The push for regulation responds to concerns raised by hospitals and obstetric associations about safety gaps, especially when unregulated workers accompany high-risk pregnancies. Public health officials say standardized practices can reduce misinformation, improve communication with clinical teams, and ensure families receive consistent, accurate guidance during critical moments.
Balancing safety, autonomy, and access
Any move to regulate birth workers must balance safety with patient autonomy and access to culturally appropriate care. Advocates warn that over-regulation could restrict access for families who rely on doulas for language support, cultural preferences, or a sense of continuity with a chosen birth support team. In rural areas, where midwifery services may be scarce, unregulated practitioners sometimes help bridge gaps, raising concerns about unintended consequences of tighter rules.
What families should consider now
Expectant parents weighing the option of a doula or other birth supporters should have clear, evidence-based information. Key considerations include:
- How the birth team coordinates with medical staff in emergencies
- What training and qualifications the birth worker holds
- Access to emergency services and hospital birth plans
- Transparency about costs, services, and limits of non-clinical support
The path forward
Experts agree that any policy must be informed by robust data, independent safety reviews, and input from diverse communities. Public health agencies may pilot registration or credentialing programs before broader rollout, allowing time for evaluation and adjustments. Cross-industry collaboration—between obstetricians, midwives, doulas, and consumer advocates—will be essential to develop guidelines that protect families without unduly restricting access to supportive birth experiences.
Bottom line
The proposed crackdown signals a turning point in how Australia approaches birth work. By elevating standards, improving safety training, and clarifying roles, policymakers aim to reduce preventable harm while respecting families’ choices and cultural needs. As this issue unfolds, expect ongoing debate about how best to support healthy, informed, and safe births for all Australians.
