Since 1995 approximately 130 rural birthing units have been closed across Australia. The statistics show that there is a rate of 23.3 babies in every 1000 who are dying in towns where there are no birthing services. These closures raise serious concerns about equity of access to and quality of maternity care, including labour/birth care for rural and regional Australians. These closures have had many significant and negative effects on women, families and on rural communities. 

Rural birthing services need to be evidenced based, sustainable and have emergency contingency plans. Please sign and show your support for rural families.