Investigations by the University of Queensland (UQ) have found that nearly 2,100 babies are stillborn in Australia every year, a statistic that has not changed in nearly 30 years.
Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth at the Mater Research Institute-UQ, Vicki Flenady said the Centre aimed to reduce the number of stillbirths by 20 per cent over the next four years.
Professor Flenady said October was International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month “when we commemorate and remember all babies who have been lost through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, newborn and infant deaths”.
“It’s a time when we pause to acknowledge the grief of parents and families and to honour the precious babies they have lost,” she said.
“It’s important to acknowledge the grief of families and to understand that this is a loss of a child and family member.
“The quality of the care received in hospital and in the community can make a huge difference.”
Professor Flenady said the Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth focused on stillbirth prevention and bereavement care, developing educational resources, working with communities and collaborating with national and international partners.
“We have effective, evidence-based solutions to reduce up to 30 per cent of late gestation stillbirths — beyond 28 weeks’ gestation — but urgent action is needed to effectively translate these into maternity care,” she said.
“We also need to make sure that best possible care is in place when stillbirth does occur.”
Professor Flenady said the Centre had been a major contributor to the 2018 Senate Inquiry into Stillbirth in Australia, and would be integral to the success of the Stillbirth National Action and Implementation Plan.
“Our multi-disciplinary team, including internationally-recognised experts, will continue to play a critical role in uniting global leaders, researchers, parent advocacy and service organisations, and care providers with policy-makers,” she said.
“Reducing the persistent tragedy of stillbirth has never been more achievable and Australia is now at a critical turning point, where it is poised to deliver solutions through collaboration.”
Professor Flenady said a firm target of reducing Australia’s stillbirth rate by 20 per cent before 2025 was in place.
