KAKA Press Release:
1080: Midwives Advise Pregnant Women to Relocate During 1080 Drop
Karamea women fear damaging effect of 1080 on developing foetuses
The midwife of a pregnant Karamea woman Danielle Yealands has advised her client to relocate during the Animal Health
Board 1080 poison drop scheduled in the Karamea region from July 1 to July 10 and the subsequent period while the baits
are active.
Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is a suspected endocrine disruptor and pregnant women are justifiably concerned that the
toxin may influence the development of their unborn children.
Yealands, a self-employed as a massage therapist and body alignment specialist, has applied to the Animal Health Board
(AHB) for compensation for loss of income and relocation and travel expenses that will be incurred as a result of the
AHB’s scheduled 1080 operation in the Karamea region.
Two other pregnant Karamea women have been similarly advised by their midwives are and will also relocate to avoid
possible pregnancy complications resulting from exposure to the toxin during the AHB-sponsored programme.
There have been numerous reported cases of women miscarrying following previous 1080 drops in the Karamea and other
regions and the midwife is concerned for the safety of the woman and her developing child.
Community group Karameans Advocating Kahurangi Action (KAKA), which was formed late last year to address community
concerns over the indiscriminate use of 1080, supports the compensation claim and hopes that the AHB addresses the issue
promptly and comprehensively to allay the concerns of the women and the community over the possibility that the 1080
programme may cause birth defects or miscarriages.
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