The Tasmanian government is considering introducing a public homebirth model, bringing it into line with the majority of the country.

In Tasmania, women planning homebirths can only access privately practising midwives but the Department of Health says "demand exceeds current availability", and it can be costly.

"Financial limitations coupled with a dissatisfaction with hospital birth leave some women with few options," the department's consultation paper says.

"Some women are choosing to freebirth [giving birth without a registered professional]."

The proposed public homebirth model would allow midwives who are employed in the public system to assist with homebirths, offering greater choice for women and protection for midwives.

Health Minister Bridget Archer said the change would be

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