Experiencing multiple pregnancy losses over the years has been a tough journey. But what made these experiences even more heart-rending were the circumstances and settings within the hospital. Walking past gift shops filled with congratulatory balloons and teddy bears was like salt on an open wound. Sharing lifts with new parents and their newborns added to the overwhelming grief. Sent to wait in communal areas, surrounded by heavily pregnant women, and sometimes even those in active labor, was a constant reminder of what was lost.

A Women's Hospital is generally where women experiencing complications are referred and it's baffling that separate entrances and wards could be created during the covid era, yet in this scenario it has been overlooked.

A separate area dedicated to pregnancy loss in the new Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital is crucial for providing the compassion and sensitivity that grieving families need. Such a space would offer privacy and the opportunity to process loss without the presence of potentially distressing triggers.

Having dedicated areas for different hospital needs is not unprecedented. Many hospitals across the world have recognized the need for separate environments for different patient experiences. For instance, the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne offers separate facilities for pregnancy loss, recognizing the unique support and space required during such times.

In Australia, nearly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to research led by the University of Queensland. This statistic underscores the need for change and the importance of addressing the emotional wellbeing of bereaved parents. Implementing a dedicated pregnancy loss area can contribute significantly to the healing process and demonstrate a commitment to holistic, compassionate care.

We call upon SA Health to prioritize the emotional and psychological needs of grieving families by including a separate pregnancy loss area in the new Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital. This change not only respects and supports those experiencing loss but also upholds a standard of care that every family deserves.

Please sign this petition to support creating a separate entrance & dedicated space within the new hospital, where those who have endured pregnancy loss can find solace and support in a compassionate environment. Your signature can help make a profound difference to countless families across South Australia. Support this essential cause and bring about meaningful change.