In May last year the Select Committee on Birth Trauma released a landmark report that shed light on the systematic issues in the State's maternity care system. The report highlighted that birth trauma is a widespread issue in Australia that remains under-recognised and insufficiently addressed, and gaps in support for related injuries persist. In June last year I addressed this issue in a speech highlighting the inquiry's findings and the need for reform. I spoke about the prevalence of birth trauma, the failure in maternity care and the need for systemic reforms to support women and families affected by traumatic births. I also reflected on the birth of my first child and my own family's experience with birth trauma.

Birth trauma affects one in three women in Australia and one in eight experience symptoms of post‑traumatic stress disorder. In 2023 alone, of the 287,000 births recorded, an estimated 100,000 women and families were impacted by birth-related trauma. These figures show the need for improved maternity and postnatal care. Yet, despite the prevalence of these issues, there remains a significant gap in public awareness, medical training and policy action to address birth trauma adequately. As a result of my speech and the report, I recently met with the incredible Amy Dawes, OAM, the CEO of Birth Trauma Australia. Its work focuses on improving care pathways, increasing awareness, and ensuring women receive the medical and psychological support they need to recover. Their experiences should inform policies and services.

Birth Trauma Australia's 2025 Federal budget submission makes several important recommendations, including developing a national plan for the care and treatment of birth injuries to ensure consistent, equitable care pathways for affected individuals. A coordinated national approach will ensure that healthcare providers have the training resources and accountability necessary to deliver trauma-informed maternity care. The report recommends raising national awareness of birth trauma and increasing the support available to affected women and families. Too often birth trauma is dismissed or misunderstood, leaving women without the recognition or assistance they need to heal.

The report also suggests investing in specialised GP training to ensure that primary care providers can recognise, treat and refer patients with birth-related trauma appropriately. Many GPs lack the training required to diagnose and manage birth trauma, meaning that women are often left with inadequate support and misdiagnosed conditions. Fostering collaboration between interagency groups will develop trauma‑informed care and culturally appropriate care strategies. Birth trauma affects women of all backgrounds, but First Nations women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and refugees often experience additional barriers to receiving the care they need and deserve. A collaborative approach will ensure that all women, regardless of their background, receive equitable and appropriate care.

Despite the inquiry's findings, preventable birth trauma continues to occur. Women and families still struggle to access appropriate support and birth trauma remains absent from the National Women's Health Strategy. It is time we changed that. The long-term consequences of untreated birth trauma include chronic pain; pelvic floor disorders; incontinence; post-traumatic stress disorder; anxiety; depression; and, in extreme cases, even maternal suicide. In the long term those issues have an effect on our aged-care system. According to the Australasian Birth Trauma Association's annual community survey, Your Birth, Your Voice: Survey for Better Care 2024, 31 per cent of women who have experienced birth trauma reported having suicidal thoughts due to the impact of their experience. This statistic underscores the need for targeted mental health support and improvements in maternal care.

Successful pelvic pain clinics show a similar model could benefit birth trauma recovery. Establishing dedicated birth trauma recovery clinics alongside increased access to specialist physiotherapists and mental health professionals will allow for comprehensive and holistic options for affected women. A Medicare Benefits Schedule item for birth debriefing could improve access to professional support, helping women process their experience and potentially reduce long-term mental health risks. Professional birth debriefing can support recovery and mental health. This is a practical reform that could significantly improve the outcomes for thousands of women. Integrating birth trauma education into medical and midwifery training would help healthcare professionals better prevent, recognise and support affected individuals. Training healthcare professionals can enhance maternity care. This is not just about improving individual outcomes but about ensuring that birth trauma is recognised as a systemic issue requiring systemic solutions. Every woman deserves a safe and supported birth experience. Let us ensure that no more families are left to suffer in silence.