Australia is facing a midwifery crisis, with over a third of midwives considering leaving the profession and current workforce shortages, especially in rural areas.
A report by the Nursing and Midwifery Board surveyed 3,000 midwives, revealing only 2 per cent of managers reported fully staffed maternity services, with recruitment challenges heightened post-COVID-19.
Nearly 37 per cent of midwives, mostly aged under 50, are contemplating leaving, potentially requiring a 10-fold increase in student graduations.
The Burnet Institute has recommended boosting student numbers by 20 per cent and enabling midwives to work at full capacity.
Eight private hospitals have shut maternity services over 18 months, due to financial and demand pressures.
States like NSW and Queensland are enacting reforms to address maternity care standards and staffing issues.