ACC’S cruel call on cover

Better support awaits future mothers. But for those already dealing with birthing injuries, the discrimination continues, says Yee Yeoman.

Somewhat ironically, the Government has selected this week, of all weeks in the year, to be the one when it finally recognises that women can receive injuries during birthing, and these should be covered by ACC.

Either accidentally or intentionally, this week was chosen – the week when the most babies are born in New Zealand, with a natural peak of births occurring today.

While I applaud the change, I feel for all those new mothers who are giving birth this week because they are not covered.

If they are injured giving birth before October 1, ACC will not provide medical treatment or any other costs.

One wonders whether there was unconscious sexism in the decision on the date of the change, or whether this was an intentional decision to minimise the cost to ACC by excluding this peak season.

Regardless, this is another example of an inherently skewed system, which has been shown to be biased against women. The truth of the matter is that women make fewer claims, are declined more often and receive less compensation than men.

While somewhat belated, this change will be life-altering for many women, with 17,000 to 18,000 now to benefit from having access to healthcare and treatment for permanent health injuries.

Not only will this change make the ACC system more equitable and accessible, but it will also be a step in advancing the rights and protections of women.

Through this change to ACC, the silence, shame and stigma surrounding pelvic health and birthing injuries will be reduced.

As a health practitioner who works with injured mothers, I hope this will place the emphasis back on the wellbeing of mothers and will improve their physical and mental recovery from these unwanted and traumatic injuries.

With treatment and support, the impacts of birthing injuries can be alleviated to improve the quality of life for our wāhine, allowing them to fully engage in society, return to work, participate in sports and previous hobbies, care for the family unit, and to engage in social activities, instead of feeling isolated and embarrassed by their injuries or pelvic concerns.

I applaud the mahi of Don Wilson, Kirsty Watt and the wider team who championed the petition that demanded improvements to the rehabilitation care of New Zealand women post-birth. It goes to show that petitions do have a significant impact. Without their voice via social media and the likes, this would never have been possible.

To all the wāhine who have already suffered a birthing injury, and have not accessed medical treatment or support because of the cost, I fear the ACC system is still discriminating against you.

To all the new mothers who will be covered after this weekend, you no longer need to suffer in silence. Please ask your GP, lead maternity carer, gynaecologist, or other health professional to refer you to someone who can provide you with treatment and support.

A list of pelvic health physiotherapists practising in New Zealand is available at bumpandbeyondphysio.co.nz/post/newzealand-pelvic-health-physiotherapists. Happy Birthing Day!

The silence, shame and stigma surrounding pelvic health and birthing injuries will be reduced.

Yee Yeoman is an Auckland physiotherapist specialising in pregnancy and pelvic health care.