New Zealand to compensate childbirth injured women

New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) legislation on Tuesday said it would cover maternal childbirth injuries to improve and strengthen maternity services.
The Minister for ACC, Carmel Sepuloni, said the government would improve equity and health outcomes for women through amending ACC legislation and an updated Maternity Action Plan.
“About 85 per cent of women in the country experience an injury when giving birth.
“A small number of these injuries are severe and share similar features to other physical injuries covered by ACC so is only fair that they are covered too.

“The extension of cover will benefit an estimated 17,000 to 18,000 more women per year who will now be able to receive cover for maternal birth injuries,’’ she said.
Sepuloni said enhanced ACC cover will improve the support available to birthing parents suffering childbirth injuries, timely access to surgeries, and pelvic physiotherapy.
ACC is responsible for administering the country’s no-fault accidental injury compensation scheme.
The scheme provides financial compensation and support to citizens, residents, and temporary visitors who have suffered personal injuries.
According to the minister, women make fewer claims than men, have fewer injuries covered by the scheme than men, and each woman’s claim costs the scheme a third less than a man’s on average in entitlements.