Broader insurance for private midwives

Employed privately practising midwives will have access to professional indemnity insurance under draft laws introduced to federal parliament.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the changes would begin from July next year to give insurers enough time to implement the proposal, which was a result of two years of industry consultation.

"It acknowledges the role of our midwives, it values the role of our midwives and it protects mothers and families who are making a choice of seeking support during their birthing process and their pregnancy," he told the lower house on Wednesday.