A Cork TD says the Government should be supporting women, not restricting their reproductive and healthcare choices.
Deputy Holly Cairns says an effective ban on homebirths in rural communities will compromise women's health and put additional pressure on existing services in maternity hospitals.
The West Cork based deputy raised the issue in the Dáil again today, amid growing public concern at HSE proposals to restrict homebirth services to women and families living within 30 minutes of a maternity hospital.
She described the proposal as "ludicrous" saying it will have far reaching consequences for thousands of families in rural areas, including parts of Cork
Deputy Cairns told the House that home births are safe and should be improved and developed not shutdown:
"Home births are safe. The current systems function well, they should be improved and developed not shut down. Community midwives provide an incredible service and this plan is doing them a considerable disservice. The report on this proposal has no evidence base. If they're so adamant that expectant families need to be within 30 minutes of maternity hospitals, perhaps they need to look at providing maternity services in West Cork and other rural areas."
