After the birth, ACC accepted her claim and paid for the treatment and care she needed outside the public health system. For years it had covered birth injuries, but in June the organisation looked at its rules following "inconsistencies" in the number of claims being made between DHBs. "ACC can cover perineal tears that are the result of treatment, or the failure to provide treatment (a treatment injury). Photo: Supplied via RNZUniversity of Auckland obstetrician and senior lecturer Michelle Wise says there are myriad reasons why more severe tears are occurring. Wise believes ACC's stance on severe tears is "too restrictive" because the international research on what causes them is inconclusive.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 30, 2021 19:41 UTC