The MHF supports the intentions of this Bill to extend ACC cover to a specified list of maternal birth injuries. Birth injuries can cause anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and perinatal mental distress has far reaching and life-long consequences for pregnant people and parents, their tamariki and whānau.
The MHF recommend the Bill provide for ACC cover to mental injuries suffered as a result of physical birth injuries. We also acknowledge that all pregnant people and birth givers have the right to access to safe, timely and effective mental health services and support, regardless of whether they meet the criteria for ACC cover.
MHF submission - ACC (maternal birth injuries) Amendment Bill (pdf)