Better health and ageing for all Australians

Maternity Services Reform

Maternity services reforms

Welcome to the maternity services information page. This page provides information on the Australian Government’s maternity services reforms, in particular the changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for pregnant women, or those planning pregnancy, and for health care professionals.

In this section:

The Australian Government is committed to improving maternity care in Australia by providing greater choice and access to maternity services for Australian women and their families, and by supporting the maternity services workforce.

These reforms also maintain Australia’s strong record for providing safe, high quality maternity services.

The National Maternity Services Plan

On 12 November 2010, the National Maternity Services Plan (the Plan) was endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference.
    The Plan recognises the importance of maternity services within the health system and provides a strategic national framework, as endorsed by state, territory and Commonwealth Governments for the five year period 2010-2015.

    Follow this link for more information, or to download a copy of the National Maternity Services Plan.