Maternity Care (Covid-19) Bill 2021

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The measure would require hospitals to allow one accompanying person to stay with a woman receiving maternity care during labour, the birth, and certain times before and after, and to visit if the baby is in intensive or special care. It also lets hospitals refuse access if that person has Covid-19 or symptoms that create a real risk of spreading the virus. In plain terms, it aims to protect the role of a support person in maternity care during the pandemic while keeping infection control in place.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to ensure that mothers receiving maternity care may be accompanied in hospital during childbirth and on occasions prior and subsequent to the birth; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 14 November 2024