By Mel Taylor

Priscilla Ford, a seasoned New Zealand midwife, mother of five, and grandmother, has been ordered to pay $17,537.67—15% of the legal costs from her prosecution by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal—for delivering midwifery care while unvaccinated against COVID-19 during the 2021 mandates.

The tribunal found her guilty of malpractice and bringing disrepute to the midwifery profession after she continued to attend homebirths, despite being suspended for non-compliance with the vaccine mandate effective November 15, 2021.

Ford, who has a long-standing commitment to supporting women’s birthing choices, particularly homebirths, claims she provided critical care to women who refused to transfer to hospital services or other midwives.

She recounts attending two births where her skills prevented potentially fatal outcomes for a mother and a baby, emergencies she believes would have been catastrophic without her presence.

The veteran midwife argues her actions were driven by necessity, as some clients, wary of medical interventions or with histories of trauma, preferred her care specifically because she declined the COVID-19 vaccine.

The case, detailed in the publicly available tribunal decision, stemmed from reports by two colleagues to the Midwifery Council, which led to a lengthy investigation and a charge of professional misconduct. A three-day hearing in February 2024, held at Akerama Marae with support from local Hapu Hoani Haora Hoani, saw significant community backing for Ford, including standing ovations and waiata from attendees.

The Hapu defended her, stating that abandoning pregnant women would breach their tikanga (traditional customs). Despite this, the tribunal delivered a guilty verdict in July 2024, followed by a penalty hearing in October 2024.

In an extraordinary decision, Ford was not just censured, but ordered to complete a course on legal and ethical obligations if she resumes midwifery.

Facing financial strain after years of suspension and unable to afford legal representation, Ford has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the fine. She emphasises that the appeal is not just about the money but about challenging what she and her supporters see as an unjust prosecution.

Ford insists midwives should not be punished for honoring women’s right to choose their birth attendants, framing the fundraiser as a call for justice.

The case has sparked debate about the handling of COVID-19 mandates and the balance between public health policies and individual rights in healthcare.

Ford, supported by her community, family, and faith, remains steadfast, expressing gratitude to those backing her cause while encouraging respectful dialogue on the issue.

This comes as public trust in government institutions and industry councils have been deeply eroded since the time of the Lockdowns.

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