We know it’s been a while, four years since we last updated you. But we haven’t stopped fighting for change.
During that time, Birth Trauma Australia, previously known as the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA), has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to support women, birthing people, families, and health professionals, publishing new resources and contributing to recent inquiries into Maternity Care across Australia and globally. We’ve listened to brave women and their families; we’ve stood beside them and shared their stories.
What we continue to hear is devastating. These inquiries have brought long-overdue national attention to the invisible physical and emotional injuries so many women endure after childbirth.
Across Australia, thousands of women are navigating devastating, undiagnosed birth injuries or ongoing physical challenges from birth without a clear path to healing. Many are misdiagnosed, under-treated, or forced to pay thousands for private care.
Women like Amy suffered life-changing injuries in childbirth. But what’s harder to say, and harder still to hear, is this:
In our latest survey, over 1 in 4 women and birthing parents with birth trauma reported suicidal thoughts. Those who waited more than a year for a diagnosis were 2.4 times more likely to feel this way.
They told us:
🗣️ “Suicide is actually a pain management option, and I never thought I would consider this as an option.”
These are not isolated experiences. This is a national health crisis hiding in plain sight.
But there is hope, and that’s where you come in.
At Birth Trauma Australia, we are building a case for a National Care Strategy to ensure:
- Access to preventative and restorative pelvic health physiotherapy
- Training for healthcare providers to recognise and treat birth-related trauma early
- Equitable services across metro, rural, and remote communities
- Integrated care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing
We’ve contributed to national inquiries. We’ve gathered the data. Now we need your help to turn it into action.
Your EOFY donation can help us:
- Push for systemic reform and trauma-informed care pathways
- Expand lifesaving peer support for women and parents in crisis
- Help end the silence and shame that’s costing women their lives
Please consider donating today, whatever you can and help us continue to be a voice for change, healing and hope. Your support helps ensure no woman is left behind. Together, we can turn pain into policy.