There are concerns that Australia may fall short of the target set in the 2020 National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan to reduce the rate of stillbirths after 28 weeks' gestation by 20% by December 2025. It is estimated that every day, approximately six babies are lost to stillbirth in Australia, affecting around 2,000 families annually, with up to 30% of these deaths deemed preventable. Vicki Flenady, director of the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, highlighted the importance of addressing the delays in progress, which were partly attributed to the impact of COVID-19 on maternity services, leading to fewer women accessing care and a lack of timely and accurate data for monitoring and adjusting strategies.
Kirstin Tindal, a bereaved parent who experienced the stillbirth of her daughter at 22 weeks, shared her story of shock and loss. Her personal experience motivated her to delve into perinatal research, advocating for more comprehensive discussions around the risk of stillbirth during pregnancy. The rate of stillbirths in certain communities, such as migrants, refugees, and First Nations, is disproportionately high compared to the general population, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in addressing this issue. While the overall stillbirth rate has remained relatively stable, there has been a decline in third-trimester stillbirths, indicating progress in some areas.
Professor Flenady emphasized that while reaching the 20% reduction target is still possible, it requires a concerted national effort. The Safer Baby Bundle, part of the national plan to reduce stillbirth rates, has already shown success in improving care practices in select hospitals. However, national funding for this program is set to end this year, prompting calls for continued support from states and territories to ensure the sustained implementation of effective strategies. The Australian government has made significant investments in initiatives to reduce stillbirths and support affected families, underlining the importance of ongoing research and support for those impacted by these tragedies.