HOME-BIRTH group Joyous Birth says the case of Graeme Reeves, dubbed the Butcher of Bega, is a sign the hospital and medical system is in crisis, and has staged demonstrations across Australia.

But the Medical Error Action Group, which exposed the former obstetrician’s alleged malpractices, condemned Joyous Birth, saying it was jeopardising a police investigation and causing distress to the alleged victims.

MEAG, which is supported by hundreds of Mr Reeves’s former patients who allege he mutilated and sexually abused them, has taken its concerns to the police.

Joyous Birth advocates home birthing and claims the failure of medical authorities to act on Mr Reeves, despite complaints to authorities dating back 15 years, is an example of the neglect of women.

But MEAG spokeswoman Lorraine Long said statements on the group’s website urging women to “go after” Mr Reeves were “absolute stupidity”. “I’ve had women on the phone crying, asking why are they doing this to us, why are they exploiting us?” she said.