Midwife denies trying to broker baby deal

A midwife has denied trying to broker the adoption of her client's baby to members of her own family.

The midwife is appearing before the Midwifery Council's professional conduct committee in Alexandra on charges of professional misconduct by failing to act in the best interests of her teenage client between November 2006 and January 2007.

The charges include that while acting as midwife she initiated, promoted and managed a private adoption with family members as the prospective adoptive parents.

The midwife, who has interim name suppression, yesterday denied there was a conflict of interest when she hosted a meeting between the two parties.

She said she was not present as a midwife or a potential adoptive relative while the two groups talked.

The mother eventually decided to keep the baby.

The hearing is due to conclude today.

- NZPA