It’s been a year since the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry exposed what many women already knew: our maternity care system often falls short—and sometimes, devastatingly so. The release of the “Your Birth, Your Voice” 2024 Survey, alongside the NSW Government’s first wave of reforms, gives us an important chance to reflect on what’s changed since the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry.
The Reality of Birth Trauma in Australia
The Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) estimates that up to 100,000 families each year are impacted by traumatic births in Australia. Trauma can be physical, psychological—or both—and the long-term effects can be debilitating.
According to the 2024 ABTA survey:
- 70% of trauma occurred during the birth of the person’s first baby
- 58% experienced both psychological and physical trauma
- 31% had thoughts of ending their life due to birth-related trauma
- 83% said it affected bonding with their baby or other children
These figures aren’t just statistics. They represent lived experiences of mothers who weren’t believed, weren’t informed, or were left without access to care.
Government Action: A Step in the Right Direction
Following the Inquiry, the NSW Government committed to implementing 42 of 43 recommendations made by the Inquiry. In August 2024, it announced progress on several fronts:
- Embedding trauma-informed training into maternity care teams
- Improving informed consent and communication practices
- Launching Pregnancy Connect, a dedicated service to help women navigate maternity support
- Strengthening continuity of care models to reduce disjointed birthing experiences
- Supporting the Brighter Beginnings initiative to better prepare families from the time of pregnancy until school age
The Government has also released a Blueprint for Action titled “Connecting, Listening and Responding”, co-designed with women who’ve experienced birth trauma. It’s a promising start—but real change takes more than policy.
Regional Families Still Left Behind?
One key issue that persists is geographic inequality. While metro areas are seeing improvements, many regional families still face long waitlists, limited specialists, and inadequate support.
The Gidget Foundation has recently opened two new centres in Armidale and Green Hills, which will improve access to counselling services in the New England and Hunter regions. The Gidget Foundation is a, GP-referred counselling service which offers vital mental health support for parents.
More services like this are urgently needed across rural and regional NSW.
“I Didn’t Feel Heard”
The ABTA survey revealed major concerns around autonomy and informed decision-making. Just:
- 10% of participants felt “very well-informed” about their birth choices
- 31% were offered a choice of birth mode
- 5% felt forced into a particular type of birth
These numbers underscore why trauma-informed care must go beyond training—into structural reform that embeds respect and consent into every stage of the birthing process.
As one participant put it:
“It has severely affected my ability to function as a new mother, return to work, relationship with my partner and my mental health.”
Why Legal Support Still Matters
At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we hear from women whose birth trauma was directly caused or worsened by medical negligence—from preventable injuries to failures in duty of care. Legal support doesn’t undo the trauma, but it can help secure justice, accountability, and much-needed financial relief for long-term care.
We approach every case with empathy, compassion, and clarity—because we know this isn’t just a legal matter.
It’s your life.If you believe you or a loved one experienced preventable harm during birth, contact our experienced Medical Negligence team. Call 1300 808 933 or book an appointment online
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.